What to know
- Up to 35 cm of snow and frigid wind chills are hitting Toronto, prompting closures, delays, and a full-blown snow day across the city.
- Some Torontonians are leaning into the storm, heading out for walks, shovelling, or winter sports despite the cold.
- Others say they’re avoiding the snow altogether, opting to stay home, game, or simply wait for the weather to pass.
Toronto has been hit with a big snowstorm on Thursday and residents are revealing what they love or hate about the weather.
The snowstorm started Wednesday evening with up to 35 cm of snow expected by Thursday afternoon. The chilly weather conditions have already led to school closures, transit disruptions, flight cancellations, and even road closures.
On top of the snow, Torontonians are also in for a freezing day, as the temperature is set to hit a low of -12 C, with wind chills making it feel like -19 C this afternoon, according to Environment Canada.
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Despite the weather conditions, some Torontonians still dared to layer up and head outside to experience the real-life winter wonderland, and Now Toronto took to the streets to ask their thoughts about the snow day.
@nowtoronto #Toronto has been hit with a big snowstorm on Thursday and residents are revealing what they love or hate about the #weather.☃️ #ONStorm ♬ original sound – Now Toronto
Even though she works remotely, Mette Kating took the time to take a walk along the Harbourfront to enjoy the snowy weather.
“I love it! I’m actually happy that snow is getting to Toronto because it’s a little eerie when it’s 11 C in January,” she said.
“It puts a different perspective on things. It slows things down in a way that we have time to just have a little walk.”
Another resident, Skylar, loves the snow but wishes the storm could’ve come with warmer temperatures.
“I love the snow, I think it’s very pretty, but I also would prefer the snow if it could snow and be warm at the same time,” she said.
Although she’s not a fan of the temperatures, the weather is ideal for her husky dog.
“This is the perfect weather for her. So, she just wants to play and crawl all over it right now,” Skylar said. “It’s really hard to get her to go inside when it’s like this out.”
For other residents, the snow doesn’t feel as delightful. Including local Sophie, who was disappointed she couldn’t work from home to avoid the cold.
“I am not a fan of the snow. I work at the Eaton Centre, [which is] not closed today! I feel like if the DVP is closed, everything should be closed.”
Jeff was also heading to the office, and said he didn’t have a problem with the snow: “It’s Canada!”
Meanwhile, Ritchie says he’s happy to stay home from school.
“It’s kinda annoying, but fun at the same time because I like shovelling the snow and it’s also a snow day so there’s no school.”
HOW ARE TORONTONIANS SPENDING THE SNOW DAY?
Regardless of their thoughts on the snow, most Torontonians we talked to said they were not planning to spend this snow day outside.
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As a declared snow hater, Sophie firmly said she is not planning on spending any unnecessary time outdoors.
“Definitely not! [I’m] not the snow-activity kind of gal,” she said.
Skylar also said she was headed to enjoy the day from the warmth of her home after her walk.
“When it’s snowy like this, I tend to go home and play video games, this is my gaming season.”
Even the hard-core snow lover Kating said she isn’t planning anything special to enjoy the day, besides a few walking breaks.
“I just needed a bit of fresh air and fresh snow, and just embraced it,” she said. “I’m just gonna be at home and be productive from there, but I needed the fresh air and I just wanted to go out and experience the day.”
Ritchie added he likes to spend a snowy day skiing.
“I might go to Blue Mountain today to go skiing!”
