A powerful winter storm has descended upon the Greater Toronto Area, creating treacherous travel conditions and triggering a cascade of closures across the region on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The significant snowfall, described by some as one of the most impactful of the season, has led officials to urge residents to avoid non-essential travel.
Widespread Disruption and Closures
The storm's immediate effect was felt across education and childcare systems. Numerous schools, universities, and childcare centres in Toronto and surrounding GTA municipalities made the decision to close their doors for the day, prioritizing student and staff safety. This widespread shutdown underscores the severity of the weather system moving through Southern Ontario.
On the roads, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Municipal authorities reported that roads across the region are slick and hazardous, leading to difficult driving conditions. The combination of accumulating snow and reduced visibility has been a primary factor in the travel advisory. City crews have been deployed for snow clearing operations, with residents able to check estimated plowing schedules for their streets.
Broader National Weather Context
This GTA storm is part of a larger pattern of intense winter weather affecting Canada. Forecasters warned that the biggest snowstorm of the season could deliver up to 25 centimetres of snow to the Ottawa area. Meanwhile, on the opposite coast, Environment Canada issued alerts for 'dense fog' expected to blanket British Columbia's South Coast, creating another set of travel hazards.
The storm's impacts serve as a stark reminder of winter's grip on the country, from the multiple collisions reported on Montreal's South Shore's Route 132 to the REM light rail network in Quebec being taken down due to tricky weather conditions.
Safety Reminders and Looking Ahead
With the snow continuing to fall, emergency services are emphasizing caution. Incidents like the rescue of a driver stranded in a snowy ditch using ropes highlight the dangers of venturing out in such conditions. Authorities are repeating standard winter weather advice: if travel is not essential, stay home. For those who must drive, ensuring a full winter safety kit is in the vehicle, reducing speed, and increasing following distance are critical.
As the day progresses, residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and updates from their municipalities regarding further closures, transit delays, and the progress of snow-clearing efforts. The storm's trajectory will determine when regular activities can resume across the Greater Toronto Area.
