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GTA's weekend weather: Severe winter storm to hit late Sunday morning

   UpdatedCBC News | Posted: January 23, 2026 5:42 PM | Last
   Updated: Just now

   Sunday snowstorm expected around 11 a.m. with orange warning
   issued for all of GTA

   Image | JAN 22 SNOW TO

   Caption: Environment Canada's orange winter storm alert
   means municipalities across the Greater Toronto Area could see
   between 20 and 40 centimetres of snow this weekend. (Evan
   Mitsui/CBC)
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   A brutal weekend of winter weather will soon hit its climax
   with a snowstorm expected to hit the Greater Toronto Area
   starting late Sunday morning.
   Environment Canada issued an orange winter storm warning that
   predicts between 20 and 40 centimetres of snow for
   muncipalities across the GTA.
   Here’s a timeline of what to expect and when, based on
   information from Environment Canada and CBC Toronto
   meteorologist Colette Kennedy.
   It is worth noting current weather models aren’t fully in
   agreement. CBC Toronto will update this story as we learn
   more.

Sunday morning: Storm set to hit GTA around 11 a.m.

   Lake-effect snow may start falling by the shores of Lake
   Ontario this morning.
   But current models expect the actual storm to hit around 11
   a.m. and continue throughout most of the day. It'll be a high
   of -8 C, but feel closer to -21 C.
   This storm could drop up to 40 centimetres of snow by the time
   it’s done, according to Environment Canada, with higher amounts
   possible in specific areas.
   Right now, it looks like the heaviest snow will hit from 2-7
   p.m, or possibly a little later in the day.
   Visibility will be near zero at times in blowing snow with
   winds gusting to 50 km/h, Environment Canada said in the orange
   warning.

   Image | Extreme cold Toronto Jan. 24

   Caption: Drivers in the GTA are being warned to go slow and
   have emergency kits prepared if they get stuck in the snow.
   (Arrthy Thayaparan/CBC)
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   GTA cities can expect the highest snow accumulation near their
   shorelines due to lake enhancement.
   Environment Canada warns disruptions to transportation and
   utility services are likely to occur across the GTA.
   Drivers are being warned to have emergency kits prepared with
   food, water, blankets and extra winter gear for both long and
   short drives this weekend, Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry
   Schmidt said on social media Friday.
   "Having these supplies in your vehicle could make the
   difference between having a good day that you'll get through or
   a really, really rough one," he said.

Sunday evening: Heavy snow gradually tapers off

   Don’t be surprised if it’s still snowing hard in the evening,
   and watch out for snowplows on the roads.
   "We'll be doing our very best to keep the city moving," Toronto
   city manager Paul Johnson said ahead of the storm.
   That heavy snow will transition to light snow closer to
   midnight. It'll be a low of -13 C with a wind chill of -22.
     * 'Swirling pool' of Arctic air bringing deep freeze,
       'significant' snow to Toronto area: Environment Canada

     * Toronto braces for bitter cold as advocates warn shelters,
       warming centres may not meet demand

Monday morning: Concerns ahead of morning commute

   Light snow is expected to continue overnight. If we do get hit
   with a big dump of snow Sunday, the snow-clearing efforts will
   likely still be underway by Monday morning.
   There is a chance lake-effect snow could still be falling by 7
   a.m., Kennedy said, with some areas seeing snow
   squalls.  However, she thinks it's more likely the storm system
   will have cleared out.
   There will be a wind chill of -22 in the morning that will warm
   slightly to -15 in the afternoon.
   Brace yourself for a slow commute and consider lending a hand
   with the shovelling on your street.
   "Neighbours helping neighbours, that's the Toronto way," Mayor
   Olivia Chow said.

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