Historic Snowfall Blankets Toronto
Toronto experienced a meteorological milestone this week as an early November snowfall shattered a record that had stood for more than five decades. The city witnessed what Environment Canada characterized as 'a very rare event' when snowfall measurements surpassed the previous record set back in 1971.
Record-Breaking Numbers and Immediate Impacts
The snowfall accumulation during this early November period officially broke the 54-year-old record, establishing a new benchmark in Toronto's weather history. The timing proved particularly challenging for residents and commuters who hadn't yet adjusted to winter driving conditions.
Ontario Provincial Police reported responding to more than 200 crashes across the Greater Toronto Area as roads became slippery and visibility reduced. The sudden winter conditions caught many drivers unprepared, leading to numerous collisions and traffic delays throughout the region.
Broader Context and Safety Response
This record-breaking weather event occurred against a backdrop of other significant weather developments across Canada, including lake-effect snow warnings predicting 15 to 30 centimeters of accumulation in some regions and rainfall warnings across most of Nova Scotia.
Police services across Ontario emphasized the importance of winter driving preparedness following the spike in collisions. They reminded motorists to install winter tires, reduce speed during adverse conditions, and maintain greater following distances between vehicles.
The early snowfall serves as a stark reminder of Canada's unpredictable climate patterns and the importance of being prepared for sudden weather changes, even during what many consider the shoulder season between autumn and winter.
