Schools closed as heavy snow piles up after winter storm sweeps through Ontario, Canada
A powerful winter storm swept through southern Ontario, Canada on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, bringing over 20 cm (7.9 inches) of snow to some areas and creating hazardous travel conditions across the region. Schools along with other institutions have been closed off for Thursday, February 13 due to the storm with stronger winds in the forecast and dangerous travel conditions being likely to continue.
Tractor being used to remove snow off the streets of Toronto on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Image credit: Kevin Misener
A powerful winter storm brought over 20 cm (7.9 inches) of snow to parts of southern Ontario, with Toronto recording 23 cm (9 inches) and Ottawa 19 cm (7.5 inches).
Strong winds of 40 – 60 km/h (25 – 37 mph) combined with heavy snowfall reduced visibility, making driving conditions dangerous across the region.
- Schools in London, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford counties were closed, and school bus services were canceled in multiple areas, including Ottawa and Lindsay.
A powerful winter storm swept through southern Ontario on Wednesday, bringing more than 20 cm (7.9 inches) of snow to some areas, marking the heaviest snowfall of the season in multiple locations.
Snow began falling in Ontario on Wednesday afternoon, with strong winds combined with snowfall to create hazardous driving conditions for the evening commute. Snowfall intensified from Wednesday night into Thursday, with rates reaching up to 4 cm (1.6 inches) per hour at times.
By 06:00 local time (LT), Toronto reported 23 cm (9 inches) of snowfall, Ottawa 19 cm (7.5 inches), Hamilton 11 cm (4.3 inches), and London 10 cm (3.9 inches).
Snow will begin to taper off from west to east throughout Thursday. However, visibility is expected to be significantly reduced as winds strengthen, blowing fresh snow and creating hazardous travel conditions.
All schools under the London District Catholic School Board and the Thames Valley District School Board in London, as well as in Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford counties, are closed for the day.
Several school boards canceled school buses and vans for Thursday, including in Ottawa, where all buses were suspended, as well as in the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) in Lindsay.
Closures and cancellations continued to accumulate on Thursday morning, affecting Halton, York, and Dufferin-Peel. Residents are advised to check with their local school boards for updates.
Drivers were advised to stay off the roads on Thursday morning to allow for snow removal and reduce traffic congestion. The City of Toronto declared a “major snowstorm condition,” which took effect late Wednesday night. Further air travel disruptions are expected throughout Thursday.
Winter storm warnings were reissued for the Ottawa area early Thursday, with peak snowfall rates expected to exceed 5 cm (2 inches) per hour. Lake-effect snow is forecast for communities southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay as northwesterly winds align over the region.
Northwest wind gusts of 40 – 60 km/h (25 – 37 mph) are expected throughout Thursday. These strong winds, combined with snowfall, will reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions across the region. Cancellations and closures are expected to continue as conditions worsen.
Lake-effect snow will persist through early Friday, increasing snow accumulations in the snowbelt regions. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly on Friday, potentially reaching -21.1 °C (-6 °F) in Toronto and Kingston.
1 Snow day! Schools closed, buses cancelled as snow blanket London region – CBC – February 13, 2025
2 Closures rack up as Ontario’s hit with 20+ cm. Here’s what’s left – The Weather Network – February 13, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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