White Sunday in the GTA: Heaviest Snowfall in 50 Years

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, a significant early-season snowfall of 9.8 cm (recorded at Pearson International Airport) blanketed the Greater Toronto Area, which environmentalists described as “significant and rare.” The previous record for this date was just 1.5 cm in 1971.

This heavy snowfall resulted from a low-pressure system affecting much of southern Ontario, with 16 cm reported in Hamilton and 11.7 cm in Ottawa as of the morning of that day.

The unexpected nature of this winter blast caught many Torontonians off guard. Lacking sufficient time to prepare, many drivers were unable to switch to winter tires before heading out. This lack of preparation, combined with early snowfall on unplowed roads and highways, created hazardous driving conditions. Consequently, there were 340 incidents ranging from minor fender benders to more serious collisions within a 24-hour period.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported that as of this morning, 220 collisions had been documented, along with approximately 120 additional incidents where vehicles were either stuck or ended up in ditches due to the snow. Among these incidents were a few serious collisions that resulted in critical injuries along Highway 400.

The OPP also issued an advisory urging drivers to rethink their decision to drive on regular tires and to ensure they switch to winter tires before venturing out.

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