Toronto storm upgraded to orange with up to 40 cm of snow expected: Environment Canada

Environment Canada has upgraded the class of the winter storm headed to Toronto from Yellow to Orange, with up to 40 centimeters of snow now in the forecast.

An Orange Warning is released when both the impact and confidence of the forecast is high, meaning it’s unlikely the system will deviate much further than expected.

“A band of lake effect snow off Lake Ontario will impact areas beginning overnight or early Sunday morning,” the agency says.

Locations typically affected by lake-effect snow are expected to receive the highest amount of snowfall as the system passes through the region.

According to ABC News, at least 18 states in the United States have declared state of emergencies so far with over 180 million people on alert. Tens of thousands are out of power, and thousands of flights have been cancelled.

Earlier this week, Environment Canada said the very same system could bring 20 to 30 cm of snow to the Greater Toronto Area this weekend as it released a Yellow Warning.

Ontario Provincial Police are warning motorists of unpredictable driving conditions due to reduced visibility and strong winds. They recommend avoiding non-essential travel.

⚠️ Winter storm warning

Heavy snowfall and blowing snow are expected from Saturday overnight through Monday, creating hazardous conditions across Southern Ontario.

Accumulating snow and strong winds may lead to reduced visibility and unpredictable driving conditions. It is… pic.twitter.com/j1BOqRSwtT

— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) January 23, 2026

The last time Environment Canada released an Orange Warning for Toronto was on Jan. 15 when the city saw over 35 cm of snow.

Find the most up-to-date information of Environment Canada’s forecast for Toronto on their website.