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Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the Greater Toronto Area, saying a “wintry mix” of snow, freezing rain and ice pellets is in store for the region on Wednesday.
“Messy conditions” are expected from Wednesday morning into the evening, the federal weather agency says.
The yellow-coded warning calls for up to five centimetres of snow and ice pellets. Several hours of freezing rain are also possible, mostly for areas west of Toronto, along with ice buildup of a few millimetres.
“Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate,” the warning said.
“There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Allow extra time for travel.”
Metrolinx warns of GO and UP train delays
In light of the forecast, Metrolinx is warning of potential delays to GO Transit and UP Express service Wednesday.
In a statement, the agency encouraged commuters to plan ahead and allow extra time to get to their destinations. Riders can monitor the GO and UP websites for updates on delays and disruptions. GO riders can also sign up for real-time alerts.
Riders should also be careful on train platforms and try to shield themselves in station shelters during extreme weather, Metrolinx said.
Icy streets await morning commuters in Toronto’s east end after an overnight freeze on Dec. 11, 2025. Icy conditions are in the forecast for Toronto again on Wednesday. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)City preparing for ‘icy conditions’ Wednesday
In a media bulletin Tuesday, the city of Toronto said it is preparing for “icy conditions” Wednesday, given that freezing rain and snow are expected to begin overnight.
Crews will apply salt brine to hills, bridges, intersections, expressways and major roads, it said. Crews are also checking low-lying areas and clearing catch basins to ensure water can drain from roads.
Once the wintry weather arrives, crews will start salting, beginning with expressways, arterial roads, sidewalks, bike lanes and then local roads. When the snow reaches certain threholds, crews will also plow.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), meanwhile, is urging resident to do the following:
Maintain a safe distance from rivers, lakes and ponds. The TRCA says it’s difficult to judge ice thickness and conditions can change rapidly.Do not walk, skate or drive on rivers, lakes or ponds that are covered by ice, unless those waterways or bodies of water have been officially designated as safe.
Residents should expect icy conditions on roads and sidewalks and that means planning ahead and leaving early, the city said.
Drivers should follow at a safe distance and brake, steer and accelerate slowly, the city added.
Homeowners should ensure eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of snow and ice, the city said. If possible, homeowners should keep snow and slush away from building foundations.
Blocked catch basins and damaged trees can be reported to 311.
A view of a warming centre in Toronto. Due to impending inclement weather, the city said it has reopened four warming centres to new admissions as of 3 p.m. Tuesday. (CBC)City reopens warming centres
Due to the impending inclement weather, the city said it has reopened the following four warming centres to new admissions as of 3 p.m. Tuesday.
81 Elizabeth St. (behind City Hall, west of Bay Street, south of Dundas Street W.). 349 George St. (East of Jarvis Street, south of Gerrard Street E. 12 Holmes Ave. (Off of Yonge Street, south of Finch Avenue E.). 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd. (East of Markham Road, south of Ellesmere Road).
The mix of freezing and melting conditions could also affect outdoor artificial ice rinks and skating trails, the city saidResidents are urged to check rink closures and service alerts here.