Toronto digs out after the biggest snowfall in the city’s recorded history

Toronto spent Monday, January 26, 2026, digging out from what local officials and meteorologists described as the largest snowfall in the city’s history. The storm buried neighborhoods, clogged arterial roads, and left commuters navigating deep snowbanks, delayed transit, and reduced visibility as plows and heavy equipment pushed through packed snow and ice.

According to reporting, parts of the city saw nearly 60 centimeters of snow, while Pearson International Airport recorded an extraordinary January total—one of the heaviest monthly accumulations in the airport’s long observation record. Airport operations were disrupted, and a significant number of flights were grounded or delayed as crews worked to clear runways, taxiways, and gates.

Road safety emerged as a major concern. Police and emergency services responded to hundreds of collisions across the city and surrounding areas, including at least one fatal incident. Officials warned that plowed snow created high banks that narrowed lanes and reduced sightlines at intersections, worsening hazards even after snowfall tapered off.

Public transit also faced serious disruption. Delays rippled through the system as streetcars and buses struggled with blocked routes, and some rail segments operated with limitations due to snow accumulation and equipment issues. City leaders advised residents to allow extra time for commutes and to avoid unnecessary travel while crews prioritized major routes and emergency corridors.

Cleanup is expected to take days rather than hours. Municipal crews said they would focus first on clearing main roads, transit routes, and critical infrastructure before moving into residential streets and sidewalks. Residents were encouraged to follow official tracking tools for plow progress and to keep fire hydrants and storm drains accessible where possible.

Meteorologists attributed the exceptional snowfall to a convergence of air masses that boosted precipitation efficiency, with local geography helping intensify snow bands. Similar winter weather across North America also contributed to broader travel disruption beyond Canada, underscoring how a single major system can cascade across regional networks.

Despite the damage and delays, some residents found brief moments of relief as quiet streets turned into impromptu sledding and skiing routes. Officials, however, continued to emphasize safety: keep clear of plows, drive slowly, and prepare for changing conditions as temperatures fluctuate and meltwater refreezes overnight.