Powerful winds threaten more of a mess in Ontario, and a weekend storm looms
Don't let your guard down just yet, as powerful winds pick up across Ontario on Thursday, reducing visibility after all of the freshly fallen snow. There's another snowstorm on deck this weekend, as well
A high-impact winter storm swept through southern Ontario late Wednesday, leaving many communities digging out of at least 10-20+ cm of snow by early Thursday morning.
For several areas, Toronto included, this is the biggest snowfall of the winter season to date, even rivaling some of the bigger historical snowfalls. The quickly deteriorating conditions prompted widespread bus cancellations and school closures across much of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and into northeastern Ontario, as well.
While the snow will begin to ease from west to east throughout the day on Thursday, it's not time to let your guard down just yet. Winds will intensify and blow around the freshly fallen snow, greatly reducing visibility for drivers. Given the large existing snow banks, these winds will also lead to the development of dangerous snow drifts out on the roads. Eyes are on another weekend system, as well, one that could bring another 10-20 cm of snow for Family Day.
PHOTOS: Major Ontario cities, GTA get a snow day as 20+ cm blankets region
Drivers were urged to stay off the roads for Thursday morning, allowing room for snow removal and a far less stressful commute. The City of Toronto also declared a 'major snowstorm condition,' which went into effect late Wednesday night. Additional air travel disruptions are likely throughout Thursday.
RELATED: How one of Canada's busiest airports navigates tough winter weather
Be sure to keep up-to-date on your local weather alerts, and always check the highway conditions before heading out.
Strong winds pick up Thursday with threat for limited visibility
Snow arrived in southern Ontario Wednesday afternoon, and in combination with blustery winds, made for a tricky and slow drive for the evening commute. The snow picked up in intensity during the overnight hours into Thursday, with snowfall rates forecast to reach 2 to 4 cm/h at times. Before long, more than 20 cm covered most GTA roads and highways.
Snowstorm in downtown Toronto on Feb 13, 2025 | Michael Vann
Snow will gradually ease across western sections and the GTA through the early afternoon, but with moderate to heavy snow continuing in eastern Ontario for much of the day. Winter storm warnings were renewed for the Ottawa area first thing Thursday, with peak snowfall rates possibly exceeding 5 cm/h. Travel conditions across the east will be treacherous, and drivers are urged to postpone any non-essential travel.
The traditional snowbelts won’t see much of a break in the snow either, as northwesterly winds align and produce lake-effect snow for communities southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Snow squall warnings and blowing snow advisories are widespread.
Dangerous whiteouts and snow drifts with gusty winds
Northwest wind gusts of 40-60 km/h are forecast throughout the day, and with the freshly fallen snow, will likely lead to hazardous travel and limited visibility in more rural communities.
Cancellations and closures will likely continue to add up, as conditions deteriorate with the strengthening winds.
"If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the blowing snow advisory. "Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve."
WATCH: Southern Ontario digs out Thursday after biggest snowfall of the season
Small window for clean-up day on Friday
Lake-effect snow will continue through the morning hours on Friday, climbing the snowfall totals even further across the snowbelts.
DON'T MISS: How do schools decide if it will be a snow day?
Temperatures are forecast to be even colder as well, with icy wind chills hovering in the minus teens.
Southern Ontarians should take advantage of this calmer clean-up day however, because the next snowy system will move in right in time for the Family Day long weekend.
More big snow may hit for Family Day weekend
System energy from the Pacific will slip across the northern U.S., and merge with Gulf moisture to form the next wintry system for southern and central Ontario this weekend.
Similar to this mid-week storm, there is high uncertainty initially in the storm track and snowfall totals, so checking the forecast frequently is suggested ahead of the weekend.
Early forecasting details shows the light snow arriving Saturday morning in southern Ontario, and continuing through both Saturday and Sunday. Snowfall could pick up in intensity on Sunday, with the risk for another 10-20 cm possible in some places.
Strong winds and lake-effect snow, along with bitter wind chills, are expected into the holiday Monday.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on your forecast across Ontario.
Thumbnail image courtesy: OPP Central Region/X