GTA Braces for Up to 40 cm of Snow as Major Winter Storm Hits Ontario

Southern Ontario is gearing up for a significant winter storm set to bring heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and hazardous travel across the region on Wednesday. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a snowfall warning, with varying accumulations expected across different areas.

The storm is expected to begin late Wednesday afternoon, delivering up to 15 cm of snow in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The snowfall rate could reach an intense 2 to 4 cm per hour, accompanied by winds of up to 30 km/h, potentially reducing visibility on the roads.

⚠️High impact storm to strike S and NE Ontario late Wed into Thur⚠️

Highest ❄️ amounts of up to 40 cm expected across the east. Near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, snow may turn to freezing rain or rain.

Warning info here: https://t.co/zayCIHwO2a#ONstorm #ONwx pic.twitter.com/FmSX9Hi9bY

— ECCC Weather Ontario (@ECCCWeatherON) February 12, 2025

Areas north of the GTA, including Newmarket, northern York Region, Guelph, and Kitchener, could see higher snow accumulations of up to 25 cm. Meanwhile, regions in central Ontario, such as Muskoka, may experience as much as 30 cm of snow.

Communities further east, including Haliburton and Oxtongue Lake, are likely to see the most severe impact, with snowfall totals potentially reaching 40 cm. In contrast, locations near Lake Erie and the Niagara Region are expected to be spared the worst of the storm, receiving between 5 and 10 cm of snow.

As the snow intensifies, evening commuters should prepare for difficult road conditions. The situation could worsen overnight as some areas experience a mix of ice pellets and freezing rain. Hamilton and Burlington are at particular risk of icy roads due to potential freezing rain developing late Wednesday into early Thursday.

Authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Sgt. Kerry Schmidt warned motorists about the expected road hazards, advising against unnecessary travel. “Avoid non-essential travel during the storm,” Schmidt posted on X. “If you have to be out there, adjust your driving and do not try to pass an echelon of snow plows clearing the roads.”

Winter weather is on the way and will result in deteriorating driving conditions Wednesday and Thursday.
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

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) February 12, 2025

According to weather officials, snowfall will gradually taper off by Thursday morning, bringing some relief. However, lingering icy patches and accumulated snow could continue to impact travel conditions well into the day.

With winter’s grip tightening, residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts, plan ahead, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm.