Toronto is under a snowfall warning, with 15-25 cm of the white stuff expected between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.
Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the City of Toronto, with the heaviest periods of snow expected overnight. The snowfall is set to be the biggest one of the season so far.
The storm will begin this afternoon, with rapidly accumulating snow making travel difficult in some parts of the city. Officials warn that the snow will impact your evening commute.
At its peak, the incoming storm will see two to four centimetres of snow coming down every hour, with heavy snow causing poor visibility.
Environment Canada reports that there is potential for ice pellets to begin falling with the snow as the storm continues this evening.
Officials are encouraging people to make a plan for emergencies, as well as an emergency kit including water, food, medication, first aid supplies and a flashlight. Find more information here.
Toronto is expecting another five to 10 cm on Saturday, and again on Sunday, with total snowfall accumulation from the two storms expected to reach up to 35 cm.
TORONTO PREPARES FOR SNOWSTORM
The City of Toronto has also declared major snowstorm conditions, set to come into effect at 10 p.m. Wednesday. During the declaration, parking on snow routes is prohibited. Cars parked along snow routes will be towed at the owner’s expense and can receive an additional fine of up to $200. You can find a list of designated snow routes here.
The City of Toronto’s warming stations remain open and are located at 136 Spadina Rd., 81 Elizabeth St., 12 Holmes Ave., 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd. and 55 John St., Metro Hall.
These centres are pet-friendly, giving people space to rest and offering facilities like bathrooms, meals and referrals to emergency shelters. More information on city services for unhoused and vulnerable residents can be found on the Toronto website.
Ahead of the storm, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning people to stay off the roads and avoid non-essential travel.
Winter weather is on the way and will result in deteriorating driving conditions Wednesday and Thursday.
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) February 12, 2025
Avoid non-essential travel during the storm. If you have to be out there, adjust your driving and do not try to pass an echelon of snow plows clearing the roads. Stay in… pic.twitter.com/KTeGZYd5oX
The OPP also cautions drivers against bypassing snow plows that are out clearing the snow.
In preparation for the snowstorm, the TTC has released its plans to keep the city moving.
This includes potentially taking 56 different bus stops that are located on hills out of service, and ensuring most express route buses stop at all bus stops to ensure passengers aren’t left waiting in the snow.
Plans also include de-icing and plowing streetcar tracks and deicing subway tracks to ensure the trains and streetcars keep commuters moving.
You can find more information on the TTC’s winter weather plan here.
