Cleanup underway after winter storm dumps 60 cm of snow in parts of the GTHA

Cleanup efforts are now underway across Toronto and the GTHA after a massive winter storm swept through the region on Sunday, dumping up to 60 centimetres of snow, triggering hundreds of collisions and bringing large parts of the city to a standstill.

• IN PICTURES: Snowstorm blankets the GTHA

The national weather agency issued a rare orange winter storm warning shortly after 5 a.m. that lasted until 11:45 p.m. This alert is reserved for severe weather that is likely to cause significant damage or health impacts as travel could quickly deteriorate.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Snowfall amounts up to 60 cm in parts of the GTHA
• Peak snowfall rates hit 5 to 10 cm per hour
• Wind gusts of up to 50 km/h
• Most schools now closed Monday.

FULL FORECAST: For a look at the hour-by-hour forecast, including snowfall totals, click here

11:45 p.m. - Winter storm warning lifted

Environment Canada says its rare orange snowfall warning for Toronto and much of the GTA has now ended as the most intense part of the storm moves out of the region.

Forecasters say lighter snow and flurries may continue, but the worst of the system has passed, shifting the region into a prolonged cleanup and recovery phase after one of the most disruptive storms of the winter.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

11 p.m. - What’s closed in Toronto for Monday?

The City of Toronto says some services will remain closed or operating at reduced levels on Monday as cleanup continues and more snow is expected.

The city says:

• Registry service counters at City Hall and North York Civic Centre will be open for urgent appointments only, with many existing appointments rescheduled.
• The Elections Counter at City Hall will be closed.
• Cultural Centres — Cedar Ridge, The Clark and Assembly Hall — will be closed Monday morning, with morning classes cancelled. Centres are scheduled to reopen at 12 p.m.
• All Toronto Employment and Social Services offices will be closed, except Wellesley Place, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for emergency situations.
• 311 phone lines will remain open, but in-person service counters will be closed.

The city says most services will continue to be offered online and by phone.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:37 p.m. - Mississauga programs to resume Monday

The City of Mississauga says most programs and classes will resume at noon on Monday, while the citywide winter parking restriction remains in effect.

Crews are currently focused on plowing priority routes, including major roads used by emergency vehicles and transit. Because of the volume of snow, the city says multiple rounds of clearing are required.

Plows are expected to begin moving into residential areas overnight to clear streets and sidewalks and to open space in driveway windrows. The city says this will be a first pass to restore basic access before more complete cleanup operations continue.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:44 p.m. - Plow hits gas line in Little Italy

A gas metre is leaking after being hit by the driver of a snowplow in Toronto’s Little Itay area on Sunday ngiht.

The crash happened near College and Grace streets just after 9:20 p.m.

Toronto police say there is a strong smell of gas in that area and as a result two buildings have been evacuated. TTC buses are being brought in to shelter displaced residents.

Police have closed roads in the area to both pedestrians and motorists. People are being asked to consider alternate routes.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

9:40 p.m. - 150 collisions in the past 24 hours: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police say they’ve been called to 150 collisions and 125 cars in ditches or stuck on snow banks in the past 24 hours as more than 40 centimetres of snow fell in the GTHA on Jan. 25.

“Let’s not increase those numbers, avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve. #EyesUp, stay safe," they said in a post on X.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

8:55 p.m. - More than 500 parked cars ticketed today in Mississauga: mayor

Mississauga mayor Carolyn Parrish is urging drivers to “get cars out of the path of our plows.”

She said numerous complaints have come in regarding parked cars, noting 60 vehicles were tagged in Churchill Meadows alone on Sunday afternoon.

She said officers handed out 525 tickets at the end of the day and expect to issued another 300 to 400 tonight in one community.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

8:51 p.m. - TTC says crews working ‘tirelessly’ to keep system moving

The TTC says it is working “tirelessly” to keep the city’s transit system moving as best it can.

That being said, it noted that the City of Toronto is encouraging residents to stay home and avoid non-essential travel with the snowfall expected to near or exceed 60 centimetres in parts of Toronto.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

8:29 p.m. - ‘Stay home on Monday, if possible,’ say Toronto police

Toronto police are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel in the city and stay home on Monday, if possible, due to the significant amount of snowfall, which is causing poor road conditions.

“Snow plows are working around the clock, but many roads may remain difficult to navigate. Consider transit if you need to travel,” they said in a post on X.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

8:15 p.m. - Leafs cancel Monday’s open practice

The Toronto Maple Leafs have cancelled their open practice due to the severe weather conditions.

The practice was set to take place at 11 a.m. at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.

“We thank fans for their understanding and encourage avoiding non-essential road travel,” the organization said.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

7:53 pm. - Record-breaking 1-day snowfall at Pearson Airport

Pearson Airport has seen the largest one-day snowfall ever at an estimated 54 centimetres, says CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter.

The highest-recorded snowfall for January 25 at the international airport was 13.8 cm in 2023.

“We definitely smashed this!,” Coulter says.

The previous one-day record at Pearson was set in 1966 when 36.8 centimetres of the white stuff fell there.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

7:48 p.m. - Some Metrolinx delays to be expected Sunday, Monday morning

Metrolinx customers should expect some service delays due to the heavy snowfall on Sunday and into early Monday morning.

The UP Express will only be running every 30 minutes today and into tomorrow.

The provincial transportation agency is also advising travellers to “take extra care” and give themselves extra travel time and plan ahead.

“Please use caution at stations and on platforms and try to use shelters or stairwells to shield yourself,” the agency said.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

7:29 p.m. - Toronto rec centres opening at 9 a.m. on Monday

All City of Toronto Community Recreation Centres will have a delayed opening at 9 a.m. on Monday, as additional opening time may be required due to the massive snowstorm.

The city says no registered programs will be impacted, however some swim permit groups and some drop-in programming will be affected.

Visit toronto.ca/Winter for the lastest information.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

7:25 p.m. - Several city-run daycares opening late on Monday

The City of Toronto will be opening 33 of its 39 child care centres on Monday, with a delayed opening of 9 a.m. instead of 7 a.m.

The following six child care centres located in TDSB schools will be closed:

• Firgrove Satellite Early Learning and Child Care Centre, 270 Firgrove Cres.
• O’Connor Satellite Early Learning and Child Care Centre, 1665 O’Connor Dr.
• Chester Le Early Learning and Child Care Centre, 201 Chester Le Blvd.
• Taylor Creek Early Learning and Child Care Centre, 644 Warden Ave.
• Emery Early Learning and Child Care Centre, 3395 Weston Rd.
• Rawlinson Early Learning & Child Care Centre, 40 Earnscliffe Rd.

All after-school recreation programs will, however, be cancelled tomorrow.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

7:03 p.m. Schools closed, buses cancelled across GTHA due to massive snowstorm

Several school boards in the region will be closing their facilities on Monday as Environment Canada forecasts that 60 or more centimetres of snow could fall in parts of the region tonight. A number of school buses have also been cancelled.

• READ MORE: Schools closed, buses cancelled as massive snowstorm hits the GTHA

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

6:23 p.m. - TDSB, TCDSB schools closed on Monday

Schools will be closed across Toronto on Monday due to today’s record winter storm.

Early Sunday evening, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) took to social media to announce that all its “schools, sites and administrative buildings (including Child Care centres) will be closed to students and most staff” as a result of the major snow storm and significant weather event declared by the City of Toronto.

The TDSB said secondary exams scheduled for Monday will be postponed to another day this week and schools will share additional details directly with impacted students and families.

Toronto Catholic District School Board issued a similar notice, saying that all its schools and board sites will be closed Monday.

“Bus transportation, childcare centres, before-and after-school programs, and permits are also cancelled,” the statement read.

Exams scheduled for tomorrow will be rescheduled for Thurs., Jan. 29. Exams scheduled for Jan. 27 and Jan. 28 will proceed as planned.

6:22 p.m. - ‘Road conditions are not ideal’: OPP

The OPP is urging people to stay of the roads tonight as conditions are “not ideal,”

In a post on X, provincial police said plows are clearing working to clear the roads, but the snow continues to fall.

“Visibility is not great and will deteriorate as darkness approaches. If you can stay home and wait for the system to pass it’ll be better for all, said the OPP.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

5:57 p.m. - Toronto, Mississauga could now see up to 60 cm of snow

Environment Canada is now saying that the massive weather system pummelling southern Ontario could bring 60 centimetres or more of snow to southern parts of Toronto and Mississauga.

Peak snowfall rates are now at 5 to 10 centimetres, the national weather agency is reporting.

Visibility will also be “significantly reduced” in blowing snow with winds gusting up to 50 km/h, Environment Canada says.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

5:44 p.m. - Jessie J cancels show at The Danforth Music Hall

English singer Jessie J took to social media to announce that she was cancelling her scheduled show in Toronto tonight.

“I don’t feel comfortable having people risk their safety for the show. I understand some people will be upset and some I’m sure will be relieved, however I feel this is the right decision,” the statement read.

She added tickets will be refunded.

“I am truly sorry. I am currently standing in the venue and getting here wasn’t safe and the snow is only getting worse. I can’t image how people would get home in the dark with the weather like this,” she wrote.

“I hope you can respect my decision even if you may disagree. But for me safety always has to come first.”Jessie J was scheduled to perform at the Danforth Music Hall. So far, there’s no word on whether the show will be rescheduled.

-Elianna Lev, CTVNewsToronto.ca Journalist

5:09 p.m. - Toronto activates second major snow event

The City of Toronto has activated its second Major Snow Event Response Plan (MSERP) of 2026, declaring a Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event.

Effective immediately, parking on snow routes, which are signposted with permanent “snow route” signage (including all roads with streetcar tracks), is prohibited.

Vehicles parked on those streets could face a fine and may be towed and impounded at the owner’s expense. Contact Toronto Police Service at 416-808-2222 for more information, if your vehicle has been towed.

Drivers are also being asked to use off-street parking, where possible, to help keep roads clear for faster snow removal.

The city says these parking prohibitions aim to help crews clear and remove snow piles that obstruct traffic flow, interfere with pedestrians and parking, and obstruct sightlines.

During a significant weather event, the city is exempt from Provincial service levels for winter maintenance, as per provincial regulations, as snow clearing focuses on prioritization for community safety.

The MSERP declaration entails the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), the redeployment of support staff and equipment for snow clearing, inspections, and towing, and the enactment of an enhanced parking enforcement and towing strategy.

The city says snowfall that began earlier this morning is expected to continue into Monday, with 30 centimetres or more anticipated in parts of Toronto over a 24-hour period.

“Torontonians are encouraged to refrain from unnecessary travel and stay in place wherever possible,” it said in a news release.

“Continuous plowing is happening around the clock across Toronto. Where possible, residents and visitors are asked to consider transit as road conditions may be diminished.”

During a media availability late Sunday afternoon, Mayor Olivia Chow asked people to stay in, if they can, tonight.

“If you have to go outside layer up and cover as much as you can, and keep warm,” she said, adding people can monitor where the city’s snowlplows have been online.

“We are a caring city, a city that supports each other and cares for each other so if you see someone being stuck, especially tomorrow morning, if you notice that people are having difficulty, give them a hand.”

The city is also asking residents to be patient as snow clearing operations are active across the city.

“Due to the volume of snow, progress will take longer than usual. Check toronto.ca/winter for regular updates,” it said.

“Road users should expect delays, slippery conditions, poor visibility, and blowing snow. If driving, slow down, follow at a safe distance and use gentle braking, steering and acceleration. Road users and pedestrians should keep a safe distance from snow clearing equipment to allow crews to complete their work safely and efficiently.”

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

4:09 p.m. - Snowplow hits gas line in city’s west end, homes evacuated

Toronto police say there is a strong odour of gas after a snowplow hit a gas line in the city’s Queen West area.

The collision happened just after 3:45 p.m. near Queen Street West and Niagara Street.

Police and fire crews are on scene.

No injuries have been reported.

Residences and businesses from Claremont Street to Manning Avenue have been evacuated. A TTC bus has been brought in to shelter them.

Roads and sidewalks are closed in the area. Police are urging both pedestrians and motorists to consider alternate routes.

Enbridge is now on scene.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

3:49 p.m. - EB Hwy 403 reopens following snowplow/tractor trailer collision

Highway 403 eastbound has reopened at Mississauga Road following a collision involving a snowplow and a tractor trailer.

The three right lanes were blocked due to the crash, which resulted in a jack-knifed tractor trailer.

While no serious injuries have been reported, police say the snowplow driver was transported to the hospital “as a precaution.”

“The tractor trailer was stopped on the highway clearing ice and snow from the vehicle when a formation of plows came through. The fewer vehicles on the road makes it easier for the plows to do their jobs. If you can stay home and wait for the system to pass it’ll be better for all,” the OPP said in a post on X.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

3:41 p.m. - Snow clearing underway at Pearson Airport

Snow clearing operations are now well underway at Pearson International Airport’s Terminal 1.

“Our teams use front-end loaders to load large volumes of snow into inground and portable snow melters,” the airport shared in a post on social media that also included a video of what the effort looks like.

“This process enables us to keep critical apron surfaces cleared of snow to support airport operations.”

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

3:30 p.m. - ‘It’s pretty incredible,’ CP24’s meteorologist Bill Coulter weighs in on massive snowstorm

Reporting live from Berczy Park in downtown Toronto, CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter says while he knew a major snowstorm was coming for a few days, the magnitude of what we’re seeing is significant.

“I knew it was an incredibly massive storm with this disrupted polar vortex sending cold arctic air down into the middle of the continent, colliding with very warm tropical air just to spin a low pressure in the foothills of the Rockies,” he told CP24’s Melissa Duggan.

“Everything really worked to make this an unbelievably powerful storm, or catch the north edge of that and you kind of think, ‘Oh, that’s not going to be such a big deal,’ but because these cold winds and an easterly wind covering the fetch of Lake Ontario, Melissa, this is giving us really the perfect storm to get an enormous amount of snow.”

Coulter went on to say said what is known as “lake enhancement” is the main reason for the heavy snowfall, as easterly winds bring 15 to 20 centimetres of snow in narrow bands coupled with moisture off Lake Ontario that allow the white stuff to fall at a very heavy rate.

“The last couple of hours, we’ve seen the snow you’re going to Pearson, fall at a rate of three centimeters per hour,” he said.

“So it doesn’t take a lot of hours to really add up. And we’re going to see this heavy rain of snow last right into the evening as the easterly wind distracts these lake-effect snow bands it, and the winds gusting to 50 kilometers per hour, pulling it away from the waterfront and over quite a bit of the GTA.”

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

3:13 p.m - Snowplow collides with hydro pole in East York

Toronto police are advising people to use caution in the area after a snowplow went into a hydro pole in East York.

The collision happened just before 3 p.m. near St. Clair Avenue East and Squires Avenue.

There are no reports of injuries, but wires are dangling.

-Elianna Lev, CTVNewsToronto.ca Journalist

2:55 p.m. - Nearly 100 collisions across the GTHA: OPP

The OPP says officers across the GTHA have responded to approximately 100 collisions in the past 24 hours, as a major winter storm continues to blanket southern Ontario.

In a post on X, police say there have been no reports of any serious collisions so far, but are warning that road conditions remain extremely dangerous and are continuing to urge drivers to avoid non-essential travel.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

2:36 p.m. Crash partially closes EB 403

The OPP is reporting that the three right lanes are blocked along Highway 403 eastbound at Mississauga Road because of a collision and a jack-knifed tractor trailer. They’re advising motorist to plan an alternate route in the area and to drive with caution.

-Elianna Lev, CTVNewsToronto.ca Journalist

2:27 p.m. - Most flights cancelled at Pearson Airport

CP24’s Andrew Brennan speaks with travelers about their experiences trying to leave or arriving in the GTA.

-Joanna Lavoie, Journalist, CP24.com

2 p.m. - Up 50 cm of snow now possible

Environment Canada is now warning that snowfall accumulations may near or exceed 50 centimetres in the western parts of the GTA, particularly in southern Etobicoke and Mississauga.

Latest projection from Environment Canada here.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

1:45 p.m. - DVP southbound reduced to one lane

Toronto police say the southbound Don Valley Parkway is down to one lane south of Don Mills Road as crews carry out snow plowing operations.

Drivers are being urged to use caution in the area and to consider alternate routes.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

1:15 p.m. - Mississauga plow tracker

Dozens of plows are making their way throughout the city of Mississauga.

For more precise updates, visit the city’s online plow tracker here.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

1 p.m. - Highway 401 Weston Road lanes clear

The OPP says the westbound express lanes of Highway 401 at Weston Road in North York have fully reopened.

It was previously closed due to multiple crashes, including a jackknifed tractor-trailer.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

12:50 p.m. - Highway 407 ramp reopens

The OPP says the eastbound transfer ramp from Highway 407 to Highway 404 in Markham has reopened after being closed earlier also due to a jackknifed tractor-trailer.

Police are reminding motorists to drive according to weather and road conditions.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

12:40 p.m. - Plows and salt trucks deployed

The City of Toronto says snow plowing operations are now underway.

Officials say crews will be working non-stop to keep roads, sidewalks and bikeways safe and accessible.

The city says plowing will start with expressways and major roads to ensure access for first responders and critical services, followed by transit routes and major corridors, and then residential streets.

You can track your plow here.

Below is a snapshot of progress from road salt trucks. Green lines indicate roads treated less than four hours ago, yellow lines show roads treated four to eight hours ago.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

12:20 p.m. - Multiple vehicles spin out on Gardiner

Toronto police say there are reports of a vehicle flipped on its side near the Gardiner Expressway and Jameson Avenue as storm conditions continue to worsen.

Officers say a number of vehicles have spun out in the area. There are no reported injuries at this time.

Drivers are being urged to slow down and use extreme caution when traveling through the area.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

11:40 a.m. - 5 to 8 cm of snow per hour

Environment Canada now says snowfall rates across Toronto and parts of the GTA could now reach 5 to 8 centimetres per hour.

See updated forecast here.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

11:30 a.m. - Another crash on Highway 401

The OPP says a second collision has now occurred on Highway 401 westbound in the express lanes near Weston Road, close to the site of an earlier crash involving a jackknifed tractor-trailer.

Police say the new crash happened at around 10:55 a.m. and involved approximately three vehicles.

“The extent of injuries isn’t quite known yet,” OPP officials told CP24 in a statement.

The earlier crash had already blocked three centre lanes in the westbound express lanes, and motorists were being diverted to the far right and far left lanes.

Drivers are still being urged to avoid the area.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

11:20 a.m. - Oshawa declares significant weather event

The City of Oshawa has officially declared a Significant Weather Event.

That means all city recreation facilities will close today at 12 p.m. and are expected to reopen no earlier than 11 a.m. on Jan. 26.

Officials say, “it may take longer than usual to return roads and sidewalks to optimal conditions.”

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

11:10 a.m. - Whiteout conditions on DVP

CP24’s Melissa Duggan is on the Don Valley Parkway, showing near-whiteout conditions as heavy snow and strong winds reduce visibility.

Drivers are warned to exercise extreme caution.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

11:00 a.m. - CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter

CP24’s Meteorologist Bill Coulter says Toronto is now in the thick of a “monster of a storm”.

He notes that early morning lake-effect snow was slow to develop, but is now contributing heavily to snowfall across the city.

The heaviest snow is expected this afternoon and evening, with gusts up to 60 km/h creating near-zero visibility in the city due to the light, fluffy snow at very cold temperatures.

Coulter says snowfall is expected to taper to flurries around midnight, with winds backing off to 40 km/h by Monday morning.

Total snowfall by midnight is expected to reach 20 to 30 cm, with locally higher amounts of 40+ cm.

He urges residents to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:50 a.m. - Flight disruptions continue at Pearson

Toronto Pearson International Airport says major flight disruptions are ongoing as the winter storm continues to pound the region.

As of 10:50 a.m:

• Departures: 37 per cent on time, 3 per cent delayed, 60 per cent cancelled
• Arrivals: 29 per cent on time, 8 per cent delayed, 62 per cent cancelled.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:30 a.m. - Mississauga services impacted

The City of Mississauga says all libraries are closed today, and community centres and arenas will close at 12 p.m.

City Hall and city office buildings are also closed, and all programs and rentals have been cancelled.

The Paramount Fine Foods Centre will remain open for the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Transit riders are warned that MiWay buses may experience delays or cancellations due to the storm.

Outdoor rinks will remain closed until conditions are safe to reopen.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:20 a.m. - Ramp closure on Highway 407

The OPP says the eastbound transfer ramp from Highway 407 to Highway 404 in Markham is fully closed due to a “jackknifed tractor-trailer.”

Drivers are being advised to “plan alternate routes” as crews work to clear the ramp

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:10 a.m. - Highway 401 westbound lane blocked

The OPP says three center lanes of Highway 401 westbound at Weston Road in North York are currently blocked also due to a “jackknifed tractor-trailer.”

Motorists are bypassing the incident using the far right and far left lanes.

Officers are urging drivers to slow down and exercise caution when approaching the area as crews work to clear the blockage.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:00 a.m. - Vaughan winter operations update

Vaughan city officials say that community centres and libraries are open today despite the hazardous weather.

City crews say salting operations are underway city-wide to keep roads and walkways passable as the storm continues.

Officials advise residents to exercise caution and check updates before heading out.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:50 a.m. - Hamilton city facilities closing early

Hamilton says all city facilities, including arenas, community centres, and the Gage Park Greenhouse, will close at noon today due to the storm.

All museums in the city are also closed.

The emergency Warming Centre at Bennetto Community Centre will remain open for residents in need of shelter from the cold.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:40 a.m. - Toronto Zoo closed

The Toronto Zoo says it will be closed today due to the severe winter storm.

Officials say the closure is a precaution for the safety and wellbeing of animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors.

The zoo encourages the public to follow its social media channels for updates on operations and reopening.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:30 a.m. - 48 TTC stops out of service

The TTC says storm conditions have forced 48 transit stops across the city out of service as snow and ice continue to build up.

For more real-time TTC service impacts check here.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:20 a.m. - 5 to 7 cm of snow per hour

Environment Canada is now warning that snowfall rates could intensify dramatically as the core of the storm moves into the region.

Forecasters say parts of Toronto and the GTA could now see snow falling at rates of 5 to 7 centimetres per hour, a pace that can quickly overwhelm road crews and make travel extremely dangerous.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9 a.m. - Warming centres open

In response to the storm, the City of Toronto is reminding residents that warming centres are open for those who need it.

Warming centres are currently operating at:

• 81 Elizabeth St.
• 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd.
• 136 Spadina Rd.
• 349 George St.
• 12 Holmes Ave.

The city has also opened surge warming sites, which activate when temperatures hit specific thresholds. The first surge site is open at Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre at 870 Queen St. E., while a second surge site is operating at Cecil Community Centre at 58 Cecil St.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:50 a.m. - Toronto recreation programs cancelled

In an update posted to social media, the City of Toronto says all recreation programs at school locations are cancelled today due to weather conditions.

The city added, “programs at city pools will be available on Sunday morning. We will continue to monitor and adjust services, as required.”

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:40 a.m. - TTC service disrupted

The TTC says several routes are already being impacted by deteriorating weather conditions across the city.

On the 54 Lawrence East route, there is no service between Rouge Hill GO Station Loop at Lawrence Avenue East and Starspray Loop at Lawrence Avenue East due to weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the 42 Cummer bus is detouring via Leslie Street, Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue as crews deal with storm-related impacts.

For more real-time TTC service impacts check here.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:35 a.m. - UP Express reduces service frequency

The UP Express says trains will run every 30 minutes instead of every 15 minutes as a result of the winter storm.

The reduced service schedule will be in effect today and tomorrow, as crews deal with weather-related impacts across the network.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:30 a.m. - All Toronto libraires closed

Toronto Public Library says it is shutting down all branches for the day as weather conditions continue to deteriorate across the city.

“Due to deteriorating weather conditions, all library branches will be closed today,” the library said in a statement posted to social media.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8 a.m. - Toronto’s salt trucks already deployed

City tracking data shows many salt trucks particularly in Scarborough were deployed overnight, with a majority of major streets in those areas already treated within the past four hours.

On the city’s live plowing and salting map, green lines indicate roads treated less than four hours ago, yellow lines show roads treated four to eight hours ago, and red lines mark streets that were last serviced eight to 12 hours ago.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

7:30 a.m. - When will things pick up?

The worst of the storm is still ahead for Toronto and the GTA, according to Environment Canada’s hourly forecast.

Forecasters say heavy periods of snow are expected to begin around 10 a.m., with a 100 per cent likelihood of precipitation once the main system moves in.

As conditions deteriorate, wind chills will make it feel closer to –20 C, with winds gusting up to 50 km/h, raising the risk of blowing snow and rapidly worsening visibility across the region.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

7 a.m. - Flights cancelled at Pearson Airport

Flight disruptions are rapidly mounting at Toronto Pearson International Airport as the winter storm moves into the region.

As of 7 a.m., only 40 per cent of departing flights are operating on time, while 3 per cent are delayed and 57 per cent are cancelled, according to airport data.

Arrivals are being hit even harder. Just 32 per cent of incoming flights are landing on schedule, while 8 per cent are delayed and 60 per cent have been cancelled.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

6 a.m. - Orange storm warning over Toronto

Environment Canada says the storm is expected to bring 20 to 40 centimetres of snow, with locally higher amounts possible in some parts of the GTA.

Experts say winds could gust up to 50 km/h, further reducing visibility as a band of lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario will move across the region.

“Widespread snow associated with an approaching system will develop later this morning,” official said. “As this occurs... locations affected by lake enhancement will receive the highest snowfall amounts.”

Environment Canada warns visibility could be “suddenly reduced to near zero” at times in blowing snow, making travel hazardous or, in some cases, impossible.

-Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

This is a developing news story, more details to come...