Southern Ontario Grapples with Widespread Snowfall and Hazardous Travel Conditions

A significant winter storm is currently impacting Southern Ontario, bringing a fresh round of heavy snowfall, widespread travel disruptions, and hazardous conditions across the region on January 21 and 22, 2026. Environment Canada has issued multiple yellow-level snowfall warnings, urging residents to prepare for challenging commutes and reduced visibility.

Significant Accumulations Reported Across the Region

Parts of Southern Ontario are experiencing substantial snowfall, with varying amounts reported across different areas. The Toronto area is expected to receive nearly 10 centimetres of snow on Wednesday, while areas further east into Durham Region could see higher accumulations of 15 to 20 centimetres. More severely impacted are regions like the Bruce Peninsula, including Wiarton, Lions Head, and Tobermory, as well as areas east of Georgian Bay such as Bracebridge, Huntsville, and Parry Sound, where snowfall totals could range from 25 to 50 centimetres. Muskoka, in particular, has the potential to exceed 50 centimetres if snow squalls become stationary. Other areas, including Midland, Gravenhurst, Minden, Haliburton, and Bancroft, are forecast to receive between 15 to 25 centimetres from a combination of the system and lake-effect snow.

Widespread Travel Disruptions and Safety Warnings

The heavy snowfall has led to extensive travel disruptions. Environment Canada has warned that 'Travel will likely be challenging. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.' Road conditions in Grey County are reported as partly snow packed and snow covered, with drifting snow. On Wednesday, January 21, numerous school bus cancellations were reported across various school boards in Southern Ontario. This includes cancellations for French-language schools in Huron-Perth and Bruce-Grey, as well as school bussing in West Parry Sound and East Parry Sound South. For Thursday, January 22, there is a high probability of further bus cancellations, particularly in the Bruce Peninsula (90% chance for Bluewater District School Board) and surrounding areas like Southampton, Owen Sound, and Meaford (75% chance). The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has also reported buses bypassing problematic stops due to weather conditions. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Constable Craig Soldan advised motorists to 'prepare, plan ahead. Discuss your plan with your loved ones. You know, when you set out, where are you going to go? Make sure that cell phones charged up. Clear off all the windows on your car. Make sure you've taken the time to fill up your washer fluid. Make sure you have lots of fuel, all those basic reminders.'

Alberta Clipper and Frigid Temperatures Contribute to Conditions

The current weather event is primarily driven by an Alberta clipper pushing into the region, bringing widespread snowfall. This system is being exacerbated by persistent lake-effect snow squalls, especially for communities situated downwind of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Strong wind gusts, reaching 50-60 km/h and potentially up to 70 km/h in the Greater Toronto Area, are causing blowing snow and sudden whiteout conditions, making travel particularly perilous. In addition to the snow, frigid temperatures and a polar vortex are gripping the region, with wind chills expected to plummet into the -30s and potentially -40s in northern parts of Ontario. On Tuesday, Toronto experienced wind chills feeling like -24 degrees Celsius, while Mississauga felt like -17 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning.