Toronto Snowstorm Update: All Schools Closed & 'Significant Weather Event' Declared as 60cm Buries GTA • Over Here Toronto

If you looked out your window this morning, you probably couldn’t see the street. Toronto and the entire GTA are currently digging out from one of the most intense winter storms in recent memory, with accumulation levels that have effectively paralyzed the city.

Environment Canada issued a severe orange winter storm warning on Sunday, and the city certainly felt it. With snowfall rates hitting a blinding 5 to 8 centimetres per hour at the peak, we are looking at total accumulations of up to 60 cm in areas like Etobicoke and Mississauga.

Here is everything you need to know about the closures, the travel chaos, and why officials are urging you to just stay home.

Toronto snowstorm update — *Photo by Matthew Henry*

The “Big One” Has Arrived: Schools and Services Shut Down

For students across the GTA, the news came Sunday evening: Monday is a Snow Day. And not just for a few districts—it is a clean sweep.

Following the massive dump of snow, all English school boards in the Greater Toronto Area have made the rare decision to close schools entirely for Monday, January 26. This isn’t just a bus cancellation; school buildings are locked, and exams are being rescheduled.

Who Is Closed?

If you are a parent in any of these districts, keep the kids at home today:

Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)
Peel District School Board & Dufferin-Peel Catholic
York Region District School Board & York Catholic
Durham District School Board & Durham Catholic
Halton District School Board & Halton Catholic

According to reports from CBC News, most boards have moved Monday’s scheduled exams to later in the week (Wednesday or Thursday). Check your specific school board’s website for the exact new dates.

Travel is a “No-Go” Zone

If you thought driving was bad, flying is nearly impossible. The storm has wreaked absolute havoc on air travel, grounding thousands of passengers.

60cm & Schools Closed: Toronto Snowstorm Update (January 25) — *Photo by David Preston*

Toronto Pearson International Airport has seen a massive wave of cancellations. As of Sunday, over 60% of departing flights were scrapped as crews struggled to keep runways clear and de-ice planes safely. Arrivals fared no better, with 62% of incoming flights cancelled.

Check Before You Leave

Air Canada has already issued a goodwill policy allowing passengers to change their flights at no cost. If you have a flight booked today or tomorrow, do not head to the airport without confirming your status.

On the ground, the situation is just as gritty. The TTC and GO Transit are running, but expect significant delays. City Manager Paul Johnson was blunt in his assessment during a Sunday press conference: “It will be a challenge to move around Monday.”

City Activates “Major Snow Event” Plan

This isn’t your average snowfall. The City of Toronto has officially declared a “Significant Weather Event” and activated its major snow event response plan.

What does this mean for you?

Parking Bans: Do not park on snow routes. You will get towed to make way for plows.
Plowing Priorities: Crews are focusing on expressways, arterial roads, and transit routes first. Residential streets will take time.
Stay Home: Mayor Olivia Chow has urged residents to look out for neighbours but generally avoid travel. “We are a caring city,” she said, encouraging people to help push stuck cars if safe, but noting that the city has deployed over 600 snowplows and 1,300 staff to fight the drifts.

The Bottom Line

This storm packs a punch we haven’t seen in years. With dangerous travel conditions and near-zero visibility in some pockets, the safest place to be right now is indoors. Let the plows do their work, check on your elderly neighbours, and enjoy the snow day.

Disclaimer: Weather conditions and closures change rapidly. Always check official sources like Environment Canada and your local school board for the most up-to-date information.

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Toronto Snowstorm Update: All Schools Closed & ‘Significant Weather Event’ Declared as 60cm Buries GTA