Snow piled high, cars completely covered: Canadians capture record-breaking winter storm in Toronto
Canadians are sharing photos of wintery weather after record-breaking snowfall blanketed the Greater Toronto Area on Sunday.
Downtown Toronto received nearly 60 centimetres of snow as strong winds, gusting up to 50 kilometres an hour, led to whiteout conditions on the roads. The City of Toronto declared a major snowstorm condition and significant weather event as of 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
It was the snowiest day ever reported at Toronto’s Pearson airport , which received 46 centimetres of snow. According to flight tracking site FlightAware, there were nearly 600 flight cancellations at Pearson on Sunday. Making matters worse was a winter storm across the central and eastern United States. The extreme weather has so far led to at least seven deaths in the U.S. according to local officials, NBC News reported . Hundreds of thousands have been left without power.
The Weather Network said the same system — a “once-in-a-generation winter storm” — is “responsible for intense snow across Ontario and the impending winter storm expected throughout Atlantic Canada.”
On Monday morning, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield shared his view of a snow-covered street in a post on X.
Good morning, Toronto. This is snow fooling around. pic.twitter.com/579Jpp4TM5
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) January 26, 2026
City councillor Josh Matlow posted a photo on X of a vehicle submerged under snow on a residential street. He also shared a message, explaining that it would take “some time to dig out” after the record-breaking snowfall.
“I’ve really appreciated seeing how many Torontonians are out there helping each other, whether it be pushing a car that’s stuck in the snow or checking on a vulnerable neighbour who might need some support,” he said, adding that those who can stay off the roads, should “make that choice.”
Yesterday‘s storm broke Toronto’s record for the largest snowfall in a single day and it’s going to take some time to dig out. The City has a snow plow contract that must be changed, along with a need for improved communications, more staff and equipment, along with more removal… pic.twitter.com/TVJczfDKpc
— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) January 26, 2026
Meanwhile, snow engulfed the backyard of a York University professor, Kosta Derpanis, who is currently on sabbatical in Munich. He shared a photo of his patio table completely covered, captioning it: “Snow back at my place in Toronto.”
Snow back at my place in #Toronto. That’s our patio table! pic.twitter.com/4XdPW8LtcG
— Kosta Derpanis (sabbatical in Munich) (@CSProfKGD) January 25, 2026
Toronto Pearson shared a video of a WestJet plane moving smoothly across the runway. It said that snow clearing operations continue after “severe winter weather impacted flights to and from” the airport.
Snow clearing operations continue on the airfield after 46cm of snow fell at Toronto Pearson.
— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) January 26, 2026
Air traffic management initiatives remain in place to safely manage aircraft movements. The severe winter weather impacted flights to and from Toronto Pearson, and flight schedules may… pic.twitter.com/t04qoIlvMy
Chris Alders, who publishes a weekly newsletter focused on optimism, returned from a trip to more than 60 centimetres of snow, he wrote on X. “Thanks for the gentle reminder we’re home, Canada,” he said. He posted a video showing snow pressed up against his backyard door and covering his backyard, as well a photo of the street with a snowbank on one side.
From the heat to Sri Lanka straight into 60+ cms of snow in Toronto.
— Chris | The Brighter Side of Everything (@thebsofe) January 26, 2026
Thanks for gentle reminder we’re home, Canada ???????? pic.twitter.com/01BW5hYuxx
Weather Network meteorologist Mark Robinson said he was “shocked” by the amount of snow. He posted a video from Etobicoke, just south of the airport, showing how snow was up to his knees. He also urged residents to “take it easy” while shovelling because it’s a “tough physical activity that can contribute to heart attacks.”
Uhhhhh. Wow. This a LOT of snow in Etobicoke. @weathernetwork #onstorm pic.twitter.com/Zq5wSvn3OD
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) January 26, 2026
On Monday, Toronto District School Board schools, public libraries and the Toronto Zoo said they would remain closed due to weather. Toronto Metropolitan University , York University and University of Toronto’s campuses are closed . College campuses, such as George Brown , Centennial and Humber, are also closed.
According to the city, continuous plowing is underway and is expected to take several days to complete.
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