A blanket of heavy snow descended on Southern Ontario overnight, unleashing chaos across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. The morning commute has ground to a halt, with treacherous conditions gripping roads and highways.
The Don Valley Parkway (DVP) is currently impassable, with both southbound and northbound lanes shut down. Police responded to minor collisions and hazardous black ice, prioritizing the safety of drivers and assisting snowplows in their efforts to clear the roadways.
School boards across the region have made the difficult decision to close all schools, including childcare centers. The Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board announced closures early this morning, impacting countless families and students.
The storm’s reach extends beyond Toronto, with school closures also confirmed in Halton, York, and Hamilton-Wentworth regions. Authorities stressed that students should not be brought to school, as buildings will remain largely unstaffed.
Environment Canada forecasts up to 30 centimeters of snow will continue to fall throughout Thursday afternoon, exacerbating already difficult travel conditions. The sheer volume of snowfall is overwhelming road maintenance crews.
Post-secondary institutions have also reacted to the severe weather. The University of Toronto, York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Humber College, and Sheridan College have all closed their campuses.
While Seneca Polytechnic remains open, day classes have transitioned to online learning. Other universities, including George Brown College, OCAD, McMaster University, and Brock University, have also suspended in-person and remote classes.
Beyond education, the storm is disrupting essential services. The Toronto Public Library and Richmond Hill Public Library have delayed opening hours, with branches set to open at noon and 1 p.m. respectively.
The Toronto Zoo has closed its doors to the public, prioritizing the safety of staff, volunteers, animals, and visitors. A message urged everyone to travel safely and anticipate a reopening once conditions improve.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is advising travelers to verify their flight statuses. Air traffic management initiatives are in effect to mitigate the impact of moderate to heavy blowing snow on arriving and departing flights.
The region is bracing for a prolonged period of challenging conditions, urging residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm subsides and roads can be safely cleared.
