Police said Sunday afternoon that officers dealt with more than 140 crashes across the GTA that day. CBC
Southern Ontario got its first real taste of winter on Sunday as up to 10 centimetres of snow blanketed the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The early storm created dangerous driving conditions, travel delays, and dozens of collisions across the region.
According to the Weather Network, this is the earliest time since 1969 that more than 5 centimetres of snow has fallen in the GTA.
Roads Turn Hazardous
The sudden snowfall caused major problems on highways and local roads. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported responding to over 140 crashes throughout the day.
“Drivers are just going too fast for the conditions,” said Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the OPP Highway Safety Division. He warned motorists that winter driving has only just begun and urged everyone to prepare for unpredictable conditions.
“We’ve got to get used to this,” he said. “Be prepared and give yourself time.”
Schmidt reminded drivers to use winter tires, clear snow from their cars, and keep headlights on for better visibility. He said many crashes on Sunday were rollovers, caused by drivers losing control on slippery roads.
Tow Trucks Stay Busy
Tow truck operators spent the day helping stranded drivers across the GTA. James Michael, from TM Towing, said the phone hadn’t stopped ringing since the morning.
“It’s been pretty crazy,” he said. “The roads are wet and all it takes for everyone to crash is just a slippery road.”
By early afternoon, tow trucks were pulling damaged vehicles from ditches and parking lots across Toronto and surrounding cities.
Air Travel Also Affected
The snowfall didn’t just affect the roads — it also disrupted air travel. NAV Canada reported delays at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
While the snow began to ease later in the evening, cleanup crews continued working to clear roads and runways. The City of Toronto deployed salt trucks early in the day to improve traction, but icy patches remained in many areas as temperatures hovered around freezing.
Police Remind Drivers to Slow Down
Police say drivers often forget how quickly conditions can change during the first snowfall of the year. Even experienced motorists can lose control when travelling too fast or braking suddenly.
“Winter tires don’t make you invincible,” Schmidt added. “You still need to slow down.”
With more flurries expected in the coming days, police and road safety officials are urging everyone to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
A Reminder Winter Has Arrived
The first major snow of the season brought back familiar sights — snow-covered cars, long commutes, and flashing tow truck lights on the highway. For many across the GTA, it served as a reminder that winter driving has officially begun.
