The City of Toronto can breathe a temporary sigh of relief as Environment Canada lifted the orange-level snowfall warning on Thursday, January 15, 2026. However, residents are being told to prepare for another round of winter weather, with more snow forecast to arrive on Friday.
City Mobilizes Resources for Major Cleanup
In response to the significant winter storm that dumped up to 30 centimetres of snow across southern Ontario, Mayor Olivia Chow announced the deployment of 100 additional staff from other city divisions to aid in snow clearing operations. A city official emphasized that "these operations do take time," asking for public patience as crews work to clear roads and sidewalks.
To support vulnerable residents during the cold snap, the city announced it would be opening two additional warming centres by 5 p.m. on Thursday. The major storm created challenging driving conditions across the Greater Toronto Area, leading to numerous incidents, including a closure of southbound Highway 400 at Finch Avenue and a vehicle into a guardrail along Highway 400 in Barrie.
Widespread Disruption Across the GTA
The storm's impact was felt widely, forcing most GTA schools to close and leading to widespread school bus cancellations. Students made the most of their unexpected snow day, while others, like exhausted youngster Carter Trozzo, gained a new appreciation for shovelling. "It's gonna be a long day," he was quoted as saying after returning to the task.
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) urged drivers to "plan and prepare" before venturing out, as road conditions remained difficult even after the snow stopped. The orange-level alert was maintained post-snowfall to account for ongoing hazardous travel conditions.
Looking Ahead to Friday's Weather
While the immediate warning has been lifted, the reprieve will be short-lived. Forecasters are predicting another round of snow to hit the Toronto region on Friday, January 16. This means the extensive cleanup efforts currently underway will need to continue, and residents should stay informed about potential new warnings or advisories.
The storm serves as a potent reminder of Toronto's winter realities, testing the city's response systems and the resilience of its citizens as they navigate the season's first major blast of snow and cold.
