Toronto Battles Snow: School Closures and Travel Delays Hit Area
Toronto has been hit hard by a significant snowstorm, leading to school closures and travel delays across the city. Residents are advised to prepare for challenging conditions as they navigate snow-covered streets.
Snowstorm Impact on Toronto
Environment Canada reported a staggering 46 centimeters of snow fell at Pearson International Airport, a record daily total. This brought January’s total snowfall to 88.2 centimeters, marking it as the snowiest January and overall month since 1937. The city manager, Paul Johnson, stated that clearing the snow to the curb could take several days.
Travel and Safety Alerts
Toronto police have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially on the ramp from the southbound Don Valley Parkway to the Gardiner Expressway, which remains very slippery. Flight schedules at Pearson continue to be disrupted, with over 500 flights canceled on Sunday alone.
School Closures
Several school boards have announced closures due to the severe weather:
- Toronto District School Board
- York Catholic District School Board
- Peel District School Board
Both Toronto Metropolitan University and York University are also canceling in-person activities, with the University of Toronto closing its St. George and Scarborough campuses until noon on Monday.
City Response and Community Efforts
The City of Toronto has initiated its second major snow event response plan of the year. This includes prohibiting parking on key routes to facilitate snow clearance. Mayor Olivia Chow has encouraged residents to assist neighbors who may be struggling and to call 311 for municipal support.
Regional Weather Conditions
The snowstorm has also affected other regions across Canada. In Nova Scotia, a snowfall warning anticipates up to 35 centimeters of snow. Southern New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are expected to see significant snowfall as well, compounding travel challenges. Newfoundland and Labrador face strong winds and severe wind chill impacts ranging from -20°C to -42°C.
Overall, Toronto’s recent snowstorm exemplifies the challenges posed by severe winter weather. The city’s efforts to ensure safety and accessibility continue as residents cope with the aftermath of the storm.
