A powerful winter storm is creating dangerous driving conditions across Toronto and the GTA on Thursday, triggering multiple highway closures, jack‑knifed transport trucks, and a growing number of collisions as heavy snow and black ice blanket major routes.

Toronto police and the OPP are urging drivers to stay off the roads where possible, warning that visibility, traction and travel times are rapidly deteriorating.

DVP closure expands in both directions

Toronto police say the Don Valley Parkway is closed in both directions as conditions worsen.

In addition to the earlier southbound shutdown at Eglinton Avenue, police issued an update around 8:10 a.m. confirming the northbound DVP is now closed at Bloor Street. The expanded closure is expected to cause major delays, and drivers are being urged to use alternate routes.

The closure was triggered by several minor collisions, reports of black ice, and the need to give City of Toronto snowplows space to clear the roadway.

Police are asking drivers to avoid the area entirely.

“As the city experiences winter weather and snowfall accumulation today, drivers are reminded to slow down, maintain a safe following distance, drive according to the road conditions and give yourself extra time to get to your destination,” Toronto police said.

Transport trucks stuck on Clappison Hill as OPP close ramps

The storm’s first major highway closure came before dawn. Around 5 a.m., OPP reported that the Highway 401 westbound collector ramp at Kennedy Road in Scarborough was shut down after a jack‑knifed tractor‑trailer blocked the roadway. It reopened just after 8:30 a.m., OPP said.

In Halton, OPP say ramps from Highway 403 to Highway 6 northbound at the Hamilton–Burlington border are closed as crews respond to a major blockage on Clappison Hill.

According to the OPP Highway Safety Division, tractor‑trailers are unable to climb the hill in the snow, leaving the roadway impassable. Plows are en route, but police are urging drivers to avoid the area.

Tweets

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE (9:05 a.m.) ⚠️ Multiple road closures are in effect as the winter storm system persists in parts of West Region, resulting in hazardous road conditions.

CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy 401 EB at Elgin Rd (Dorchester)
⛔ Hwy 401 EB at Queens Line (Tilbury)
⛔ Hwy 403 EB at… pic.twitter.com/4IMWbhdn2N

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) January 15, 2026

Thursday January 15 – 1 jacknifed transport and 1 flipped over transport in the ditch closes one E/B lanes of #Hwy402 just west of Colonel Talbot Road. No injuries reported. #OPP reminding all drivers to SLOW DOWN when approaching emergency vehicles. #WROPP ^es pic.twitter.com/HVSN1JtfRF

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) January 15, 2026

WEATHER ADVISORY | DURHAM REGION

The Greater Toronto Area including the Durham Region will be under an extreme weather advisory due to white out conditions and heavy snow fall.

Please be extra cautious if you are required to travel today.

These extreme weather conditions will… pic.twitter.com/DMP9eftkLN

— Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) January 15, 2026

Snow, ice, and poor visibility are impacting roads in parts of Central Region, including Orillia, Barrie, Midland, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Peterborough, and Northumberland.

Avoid non-essential travel if possible.

If you must travel, make sure to:
✅ Check road conditions at… pic.twitter.com/6MblntuAfa

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) January 15, 2026

#OPP responding to multiple incidents of vehicles in the ditch. Snow and ice covered roads mean one thing. Reduce your speed. Please drive according to the road and weather conditions. Drive safely. #WROPP ^es pic.twitter.com/tmTdOItM2U

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) January 15, 2026

Plenty of cars in the ditches. SLOW DOWN, stay in control. Make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the road before you head out! Stay home if you can. #OnStorm ^ks pic.twitter.com/hxHcKFTQqp

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) January 15, 2026