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Weather advisories The Greater Toronto Area is under several weather advisories for freezing drizzle and snow on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. <\/p>\nA winter storm brought a mix of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain to the Greater Toronto Area on Wednesday, resulting in dozens of collisions on the roads, transit delays, flight and school bus cancellations.<\/p>\n
While a winter storm warning has ended, a freezing drizzle advisory is in effect for Toronto. Environment Canada says \u201ca widespread area of freezing drizzle will linger\u201d in the region into tonight.<\/p>\n
Key details:<\/p>\n
A winter storm warning for Toronto has ended.Environment Canada has issued a freezing drizzle advisory.School buses have been cancelled in areas around the GTA, including Toronto About 160 collisions have been reported on GTA highways since 5 a.m.Hundreds of flights have been cancelled at Toronto Pearson International Airport.Weather advisories The Greater Toronto Area is under several weather advisories for freezing drizzle and snow on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at what happened in the GTA as the storm moved through the region:<\/p>\n
5:15 p.m. – 2,600 calls for assistance: CAA<\/p>\n
Nadia Matos says the CAA has received about 2,600 calls, 70 per cent of which involve drivers who drove into ditches or were stuck in the snow and need to be towed.<\/p>\n
\u201cGenerally, when we have this kind of inclement weather, people do heed the warnings and stay home. Our call volume right now is reflecting that,\u201d Matos said, noting the CAA gets an average of 3,000 to 5,000 calls.<\/p>\n
– Bryann Aguilar<\/a>, Journalist, CP24.com<\/p>\n 4:44 p.m. – Stuck truck causing delays<\/p>\n A truck is causing traffic delays on Brimley Road and Applefield Drive, south of Ellesmere Road, in Scarborough, after being stuck in the snow.<\/p>\n – Bryann Aguilar<\/a>, Journalist, CP24.com<\/p>\n 4:30 p.m. – Flights cancelled at Pearson<\/p>\n As of 4 p.m., more than 200 flights, 103 arrivals and 102 departures, have been cancelled at Toronto Pearson International Airport.<\/p>\n \u201cThere has been an impact to the operations, but the flight cancellations are going down as we go through the afternoon. And there\u2019s no precipitation at the airport, so things are slowly improving,\u201d Sean Davidson, a spokesperson for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, said in an interview with CP24.<\/p>\n He noted that 5.6 centimetres of snow have fallen at the airport as of 1 p.m.<\/p>\n \u201cThe snow today is a lot heavier because the temperatures are around 0 C. So, that creates other challenges as well for our operations teams here. Moving heavier snow is a lot more difficult than when it\u2019s really cold and when it\u2019s light,\u201d Davidson said.<\/p>\n He urged those who have flights this evening to check their status before coming to the airport.<\/p>\n Mixed precipitation continues this afternoon, and our plows, sweepers and blowers are out on the airfield conducting circuits to clear snow and ice pellet accumulation. \u2070\u2070These teams are responsible for keeping roughly 5 million square metres of critical areas clear.\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/nF8EM5TLSx<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n – Bryann Aguilar<\/a>, Journalist, CP24.com<\/p>\n 4:13 p.m. – Freezing drizzle advisory in effect<\/p>\n A winter storm warning for Toronto has ended, but Environment Canada has issued a freezing drizzle advisory.<\/p>\n The national weather agency says \u201cperiods of freezing drizzle\u201d are possible late this afternoon through to the evening.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the main area of precipitation from today\u2019s system exits the region, a widespread area of freezing drizzle will linger into tonight,\u201d the advisory reads.<\/p>\n \u201cRoads, walkways, and other surfaces will likely become icy and slippery. There is risk of injury due to slips and falls.\u201d<\/p>\n Durham Region and parts of northern York Region remains under a yellow snowfall warning.<\/p>\n – Bryann Aguilar<\/a>, Journalist, CP24.com<\/p>\n 4:06 p.m. – TTC buses stuck in Scarborough<\/p>\n A CTV camera captured several TTC buses stuck in the snow in the area of Midland Avenue and Eglinton Avenue East.<\/p>\n A similar situation was also observed on Brimley Road, south of Ellesmere Road. Several vehicles, including TTC buses, were struck on the snowy road.<\/p>\n – Bryann Aguilar<\/a>, Journalist, CP24.com<\/p>\n 3:26 p.m. – Police respond to more crashes<\/p>\n Ontario Provincial Police say officers have responded to 160 collisions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area since 5 a.m.<\/p>\n OPP are urging drivers to be ready for changing weather conditions.<\/p>\n \u201cAs it gets darker and as the snow changes to ice pellets and freezing rain, be ready for slippery road conditions,\u201d OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said in a video.<\/p>\n – Bryann Aguilar<\/a>, Journalist, CP24.com<\/p>\n 2:23 p.m. – Line 6 service resumes<\/p>\n Regular service has resumed on Line 6 between Duncanwoods and Driftwood, the TTC says.<\/p>\n That portion of the LRT was shut down for a few hours due to a mechanical problem.<\/p>\n Metrolinx told CTV News Toronto that a light rail vehicle lost its overhead connection to power shortly before 10:30 a.m.<\/p>\n \u201cThe vehicle will be taken to the maintenance facility for further inspection and will be replaced with another LRV to reinstate regular operations,\u201d Metrolinx said.<\/p>\n – Bryann Aguilar<\/a>, Journalist, CP24.com<\/p>\n 1:50 p.m. – Hwy. 401 ramp closed due to disabled tractor trailer<\/p>\n Ontario Provincial Police say the ramp from southbound Hwy. 401 to Kennedy Road is closed due to a disabled tractor trailer. <\/p>\n No injuries have been reported. <\/p>\n Motorists are being urged to use alternate routes.<\/p>\n – Chris Fox<\/a>, Managing Digital Producer for CP24\/ CTV News Toronto<\/p>\n RAMP CLOSURE: The ramp from southbound Kennedy Road to #Hwy401<\/a> westbound is closed due to a disabled tractor trailer. Motorists should plan an alternate route for the time being. There are no injuries reported. ^pia#TorontoOPP<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/3Rx5cAxGOL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 OPP GTA Traffic (@OPP_GTATraffic) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 12:50 p.m. \u2013 Precipitation will taper off by evening<\/p>\n CTV News Toronto Weather Anchor Lyndsay Morrison says that there is now \u201cheavy wet snow\u201d that is impacting parts of Toronto, as well as communities to the north and the east of the city. <\/p>\n She says that it is likely that there will be another couple of centimetres of snow and ice pellets landing in the GTA this afternoon before the precipitation stops later this evening. <\/p>\n The good news, Morrison says, is that models now suggest that the freezing rain may not be as long-lasting as initially feared.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not looking like it will be quite as prolonged, the freezing rain event, for areas west of Toronto and we are going to see a little less in the way of ice accretion. Yesterday, it was seeming like we could have seen 10 or even 15 millimetres of ice buildup. That is less the case now,\u201d Morrison said.<\/p>\n – Chris Fox<\/a>, Managing Digital Producer for CP24\/ CTV News Toronto<\/p>\n The TTC says that all express bus routes are operating as local service due to the weather conditions.<\/p>\n There are also 48 TTC bus stops that have been taken out of service due to the slippery roads. <\/p>\n A full list of impacted stopes is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n – Chris Fox<\/a>, Managing Digital Producer for CP24\/ CTV News Toronto<\/p>\n 12:05 p.m. – Orange freezing rain warnings for some Ontario communities<\/p>\n Orange freezing rain warnings are in effect for several Ontario communities, including Kitchener, Guelph, Cambridge and the Blue Mountains. <\/p>\n Toronto and the GTA remain under a yellow winter storm warning. Environment Canada says that snow and ice pellet amounts of 5 to 10 cm are possible.<\/p>\n The weather agency says that while precipitation \u201cwill diminish in intensity by this evening, freezing drizzle may affect the area through the night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNote that even a few centimetres of ice pellets can result in travel conditions that can be more hazardous than heavy snowfalls,\u201d Environment Canada says. \u201cIce pellets result in reduced traction on roadways and are difficult to shovel due to their dense nature. Precipitation will diminish in intensity by this evening, although freezing drizzle may affect the area through the night.<\/p>\n – Chris Fox<\/a>, Managing Digital Producer for CP24\/ CTV News Toronto<\/p>\n 12 p.m.- 80 collisions on GTA highways this morning<\/p>\n OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says 80 collisions have been reported on GTA highways since 5 a.m. and 32 crashes are currently on the go.<\/p>\n \u201cSnow is coming down, and the roads are slick,\u201d the OPP said in a social media post. <\/p>\n 80 collisions since 5am, 32 crashes on the go right now across the GTHA. \u2014 OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 11:50 a.m.- No service on section of Finch West LRT<\/p>\n The TTC says there is currently no service between Duncanwoods and Signet Arrow stations due to a mechanical issue on Line 6.<\/p>\n \u201cShuttle buses are running between Humber College and Finch West,\u201d the TTC said.<\/p>\n The TTC also notes that some bus stops have been taken out of service in the city due to the inclement weather.<\/p>\n \u201cIn areas where heavy snow or freezing rain may cause buses to become stuck, we may temporarily take select stops on certain routes out of service,\u201d the TTC said in a post on social media. <\/p>\n A list of service disruptions can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 11:10 a.m.- \u2018The conditions are certainly treacherous\u2019<\/p>\n OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said crashes are being reported across the region this morning.<\/p>\n \u201cVisibility is reduced and this snow is really coming down with a vengeance,\u201d he told CP24.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can see traffic behind me on the Gardiner is moving but it is moving slowly. We\u2019ve got crashes kind of all across the region. A bunch of vehicles up on walls and into shoulders and ditches.\u201d<\/p>\n He said no serious crashes have been reported in the GTA.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully it stays like that but the conditions are certainly treacherous.\u201d<\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 11 a.m.- York U will provide update on afternoon classes <\/p>\n York University said it will provide an update at 2 p.m. <\/a>on the status of afternoon classes after suspending operations at the North York campus early this morning. <\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 10 a.m.- Conditions \u2018deteriorating\u2019 on highways <\/p>\n CP24 Traffic Specialist Lisa Morales said conditions on GTA highways are starting to deteriorate with snow and icy conditions throughout the region.<\/p>\n \u201cThings are deteriorating. I\u2019m watching people drive too quickly for these conditions,\u201d she said, as collisions begin to mount in western parts of the GTA.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t expect to go highway speed because it looks maybe in some areas like it is good, but it is not.\u201d<\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 9:30 a.m. – \u2018It feels like Mother Nature is throwing ice bombs at us\u2019<\/p>\n CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said Toronto has been on the receiving end of some of the \u201cdiciest\u201d weather this winter.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is almost like someone is tossing snowballs at us that are kind of breaking apart. They are big chunks, or conglomerates, of ice pellets and snow crystals. It is quite amazing,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n \u201cIt feels like Mother Nature is throwing ice bombs at us.\u201d <\/p>\n He said so far this winter, storms in Toronto have really only involved snow. <\/p>\n \u201cToronto has sat for the last number of storms in that sweet spot to get some of the diciest weather. It has been snow storms up to this point. But now, this system is just going to slide through the west end of Lake Ontario and down into upstate New York, avoiding southwestern Quebec,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are right on that line of rain\/ snow but on the cold side of it so we are getting these really big chunks of.. pure ice.\u201d<\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 9:20 a.m.- Toronto Hydro keeping close watch on conditions<\/p>\n Toronto Hydro says the city is seeing a \u201cmixed bag of winter weather\u201d and the utility is keeping a close eye on conditions as freezing rain can lead to ice buildup and downed powerlines.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udce3 Weather alert: Today\u2019s bringing a mixed bag of winter weather, and we\u2019re keeping a close watch \u2014 especially on any freezing rain that can create ice buildup and increase the risk of downed powerlines.<\/p>\n If you spot a downed line: <\/p>\n \u26a0\ufe0f Assume it\u2019s live \u2014 Toronto Hydro (@TorontoHydro) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cOur control toom and crews are ready to respond wherever they\u2019re needed today,\u201d Toronto Hydro said in a post on social media.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re out and about, go easy and look out for each other. Stay safe, Toronto.\u201d<\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 8:45 a.m.- Drivers should be alert, drive to conditions, CAA says<\/p>\n Nadia Matos, a spokesperson for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), said so far, they have not received a significant number of calls for service.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do suspect that as the day goes on, that we will see an increase of calls,\u201d she told CP24.<\/p>\n \u201cIt definitely is slippery out there, and I think because we are going to be getting so many different types of precipitation today, it is even more cause for being alert, being aware, and preparing as much as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n She urged drivers to make sure their windshield wiper fluid is topped up and that the snow brush is still in the car. <\/p>\n Driving to conditions and staying on main roads will go a long way in inclement weather, she noted.<\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 8:30 a.m.- Ice pellets coming down on GTA highways<\/p>\n OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said freezing rain and ice pellets are now coming down across the GTHA. <\/p>\n Freezing rain and ice pellets coming down right now across the GTHA. #OnStorm<\/a> \u2014 OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 8:20 a.m.- How City crews prepared for storm<\/p>\n The City of Toronto said crews have applied salt to hills, bridges, intersections, expressways, and major roads in anticipation of today\u2019s winter storm. <\/p>\n Snow and ice pellets may cause slippery conditions.<\/p>\n Take care on roads and sidewalks, and give yourself extra time for your commute. Drivers should follow at a safe distance and brake, steer, and accelerate gently.<\/p>\n Last night, crews began salting expressways, arterial roads\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/KgRaaUzVWV<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 City of Toronto \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 (@cityoftoronto) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Plows will be deployed when thresholds for accumulation are met, the City said. <\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 7:30 a.m. – Weather transitioning in downtown core<\/p>\n Ice pellets have started to fall in the downtown core, CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said. The temperature is still above the freezing mark, but he noted it won\u2019t stay that way for much longer. <\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 6:40 a.m.- Conditions likely to \u2018intensify\u2019 throughout morning and afternoon <\/p>\n OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said things are quiet across GTA highways this morning but conditions could change quickly. <\/p>\n \u201cWhen you look at those radar pictures\u2026 those bands will be coming and going throughout the day and it will intensify likely throughout the morning and afternoon and conditions will change,\u201d he told CP24 on Wednesday morning. <\/p>\n \u201cSo even though we are right around the freezing mark, that is maybe a little bit deceiving for people\u2026 (it) could be slippery, could be slick, with the winds and the temperature and the precipitation, and if it is freezing rain, that will make for some interesting conditions.\u201d <\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 6:10 a.m.- TTC crews work overnight to treat overhead wires, rails<\/p>\n Susan Nguyen, a spokesperson for the TTC, told CP24 on Wednesday that crews were out overnight preparing for today\u2019s storm, treating overhead streetcar wires and subway and LRT rails.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are doing the heavy lifting now to ensure that your morning commute is as smooth as possible,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 6 a.m.- School buses cancelled across GTA<\/p>\n School buses have been cancelled in areas across the GTA, including Toronto, due to Wednesday\u2019s storm. A list of bus cancellations can be found here<\/a>. <\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n 5:30 a.m.- Light precipitation expected early this morning<\/p>\n CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said \u201cvery light\u201d precipitation is expected up until about 8:30 a.m. <\/p>\n \u201cFrom 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., we\u2019ll get a more consistent mix of freezing rain and snow,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., snow and ice pellets are expected, Coulter added.<\/p>\n –Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771458195_487_MFWRE6HLX5HFHABAAWEM3TMUWQ.jpg\")
Stuck truck A truck stuck in the snow is blocking the road and causing traffic delays on Brimley Road and Applefield Drive on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/EX4ALMIR5FFATLZ3YDHWXBDKWE.png\")
TTC buses stuck Several TTC buses are stuck in the area of Midland Avenue and Eglinton Avenue East. <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ABM5WF2KXZHTPAG4ONKWWBXKNU.png\")
Vehicles stuck in the snow Several vehicles, including TTC buses, are stuck in the snow on Brimley Road, near Ellesmere Road. <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BPKGTDO2RJD5LAKO5ZX5T7GRFY.JPG\")
Toronto freezing rain and snow A woman holds an umbrella to protect herself from freezing rain as she waits for a streetcar in Toronto on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Chris Young 12:35 p.m. – Express bus routes operating as local service<\/p>\n
Snow is coming down, and the roads are slick. #OnStorm<\/a> #EyesUp<\/a> Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind focused on the task of driving. ^ks pic.twitter.com\/RCNcf5XztT<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/CHP3PGFGXRC2PMMHOM24YMCVYA.png\")
snow, Toronto Heavy snow is coming down near Hwy. 400 near Rutherford Road. <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/J5IFPBXHP5H3ZHB7ZPO3EV4CR4.png\")
Bill Coulter CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter is seen in the parking lot of 299 Queen Street West on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udeabStay at least 10\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/HzuDqg2nxa<\/a><\/p>\n
The roads may slippery and icy. #EyesUp<\/a>, keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind focused on the task of driving. ^ks pic.twitter.com\/poh5ghipRJ<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771458198_794_5VEX64M5DRAUBKMYAKJ5FDQPX4.jpg\")
Freezing rain warning in the GTA Freezing rain warning across the GTA, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. 5 a.m.- GO Transit running on special schedule<\/p>\n