Winter weather swept across southern Ontario, bringing a sudden blast of snow. Global News
A fast-moving winter storm created chaos on roads across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas on Wednesday. Ontario Provincial Police reported more than 150 crashes as snow piled up and visibility dropped through the morning. Drivers struggled with icy lanes while blowing snow made it harder to see.
Police urged people to stay home unless travel was absolutely necessary. Tow trucks and roadside crews faced long delays as collisions increased. “Wait until the weather system has passed before heading out for non-essential appointments,” OPP said on social media.
One crash involved a police cruiser that hit a traffic-light pole in Toronto’s Yorkville area around 10:20 a.m. Officials have not yet released details about injuries.
City Crews Prepare for Tough Evening Conditions
The City of Toronto warned that evening snowfall would make streets even more slippery. Crews planned to continue salting and plowing through the night. They will clear residential streets in every neighbourhood, even where snow normally falls below the usual plowing level. Slush is expected to freeze overnight, creating slick surfaces for Thursday morning.
Officials thanked residents for their patience as crews work through heavy demand. They noted that clearing all streets will take time.
Snowfall Alert for Southern Ontario
Environment Canada issued a yellow-level snowfall alert for large parts of southern Ontario. Forecasts call for 10 to 15 centimetres of snow in many areas. The agency warned drivers to expect “challenging” travel because of low visibility and slippery pavement.
Some communities along the Lake Ontario shoreline could see a mix of snow and rain. The storm arrived with an Alberta clipper—known for bringing quick, intense bursts of winter weather across the country.
Under Canada’s new colour-coded alert system, a yellow alert signals hazardous conditions that may cause local or short-term disruptions.
Officials Urge Caution and Limited Travel
As snow continued to build and visibility shifted through the day, officials repeated the same message: stay off the roads if possible. Those who must travel should slow down, leave extra time, and prepare for delays. Transit remains a safer option for those who need to move around the region.
For many residents, Wednesday became an ideal day to remain indoors and wait for conditions to improve. City crews and road teams expect to work into the night to keep streets as safe as possible.
