Dicey commute in GTA as snow, freezing drizzle hits region
Posted February 6, 2025 6:46 am.
Last Updated February 6, 2025 2:54 pm.
A round of morning snowfall and freezing rain across southern Ontario prompted bus cancellations and delays in Toronto and the GTHA, making the commute challenging for motorists.
Toronto was under a freezing drizzle advisory as of Thursday morning, with Environment Canada indicating that this light ice build-up would make for slippery conditions.
“Freezing drizzle mixed with light snow is expected to continue through early this afternoon,” Canada’s weather agency wrote. “Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Freezing drizzle can produce thin, hard-to-detect layers of ice.”
On Thursday morning, buses were cancelled for all Halton District and Halton Catholic Schools zones, but the schools remained open.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) said buses were running but reported several delays. The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) also reported several bus cancellations on Thursday.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to several collisions due to the treacherous winter weather conditions.
“The roads are wet and slick in many areas,” said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt.
The early-morning snow was expected to transition to freezing rain in the city by the afternoon. The mixed precipitation will dissipate in time for the evening commute as temperatures stay in the 1 C range.
Snowfall amounts will remain light, with most areas expecting 2-5 cm. However, eastern Ontario could see up to 10 cm by Thursday afternoon and evening, potentially slowing the evening commute.
Bitter cold returns
In Ontario, Windsor and areas along the Lake Erie shoreline may experience freezing rain or mixed precipitation on Thursday.
Toronto, meanwhile, will experience a deep freeze to cap off the week. Friday’s daytime high will be -4 C, though the wind chill will make it feel closer to -11. Tomorrow morning will be particularly brisk, with temperatures feeling more like -15 and winds gusting up to 50 km/h.
This trend will continue throughout the weekend, with another round of snow possible in Toronto by Saturday evening. Environment Canada says this system will have more moisture, which can lead to higher snowfall amounts than Thursday.
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