Toronto Overcomes Record Snowfall, Digs Out from Massive Snowdrifts
Toronto experienced unprecedented snowfall on January 24, 2026, as a winter storm blanketed the city with around 50 centimetres of snow. This extreme weather event led to significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and school closures.
Record Snowfall in Toronto
Toronto Pearson International Airport recorded 46 centimetres of snowfall, marking the highest daily total on record. Areas near Lake Ontario experienced higher accumulations, with Billy Bishop Airport measuring 56 centimetres. According to Environment Canada, January 2026’s snowfall total reached 88.2 centimetres, making it the snowiest January since records began in 1937.
Flight Disruptions
The severe weather resulted in the cancellation of over 500 domestic and international flights at Toronto Pearson. Passengers faced delays as the flight-tracking service, FlightAware, reported hundreds of disruptions throughout the storm.
School Closures
All schools in Toronto were closed on January 25 due to the extreme weather conditions. This included:
- Toronto District School Board
- Toronto Catholic District School Board
- Peel District School Board
- Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
- York Region District School Board
- York Catholic District School Board
- Durham District School Board
- Durham Catholic District School Board
City Response to Major Snowstorm
In reaction to the storm, the City of Toronto activated its Major Snow Event Response Plan. Parking on major snow routes and streetcar routes was prohibited, allowing city crews to clear the snow effectively. Although efforts began immediately, officials indicated that cleanup could take several days.
Public Transportation Updates
Public transportation services were heavily impacted, with various Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway routes out of service:
- Line 1 Yonge-University: No service between St Clair West and Sheppard West.
- Line 1 Yonge-University: No service between Eglinton and Bloor-Yonge.
- Line 2 Bloor-Danforth: No service between Kipling and Islington.
- Line 2 Bloor-Danforth: No service between Woodbine and Kennedy.
- Line 6 Finch West: No service between Finch West and Humber College.
Shuttle buses were provided on affected routes.
Traffic Conditions
Ontario Provincial Police reported handling approximately 200 collisions and 150 calls involving vehicles stuck in ditches within the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area. They advised motorists to expect narrow lanes and snow-covered shoulders as clean-up efforts continued.
