Torontonians are facing the aftermath of what appears to be the snowiest January 15 in the city’s history. Monica Vaswani, a meteorologist from Environment Canada, reported that Toronto’s Pearson International Airport received 22 centimeters of snow, surpassing the previous record set in 1863 of 15.2 centimeters. Vaswani highlighted the significant snowfall rate and the need to verify the observation for accuracy.
Unofficial measurements by volunteers indicated substantial snowfall amounts in various areas: 53 centimeters in north Scarborough, 45 centimeters in Markham, 37.4 centimeters at Downsview, 23 centimeters in midtown Toronto, and 21 centimeters downtown. The snowfall warning, initially coded yellow and later upgraded to orange by Environment Canada, was lifted on Thursday afternoon.
Despite the warning being lifted, the community is expected to feel lingering impacts, with roads still needing clearing due to potential ice underneath the snow. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported over 400 collisions and service calls in the Greater Toronto Area in the past 24 hours, with various incidents of vehicles stuck in ditches or snow banks.
City officials activated the major snow event response plan in response to the severe weather conditions. The city anticipated continued snowfall over the weekend, prompting closures of major school boards in the area. Commuters faced challenges, with the Don Valley Parkway temporarily closed earlier in the day due to crashes and reports of black ice.
Public figures like Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow canceled events, emphasizing the city’s efforts to clear snow efficiently. Schools and transportation services were disrupted, with delays reported on public transit routes. GO Transit and Via Rail experienced delays, while the TTC faced challenges with the Finch LRT service.
Air travelers were advised to check flight status, as both Toronto airports were affected by the snowstorm. Warming centers remained open in Toronto for those seeking shelter, while city crews prioritized snow clearance on expressways and major roads. The city aimed to ensure essential services continued despite the challenging weather conditions.