Southern Ontario Braces for Widespread Snow and Hazardous Travel
TORONTO, January 17, 2026 – A significant winter weather system is moving across Southern Ontario today, bringing widespread flurries, snow squalls, and the potential for hazardous travel conditions. Environment Canada has issued a series of weather alerts for the region, with snowfall accumulations varying from 2 cm in urban centres to over 25 cm in areas north of Toronto.
Current Alerts and Forecast
Environment Canada’s colour-coded alert system shows a mix of Yellow and Orange warnings across Southern Ontario. The most severe conditions are concentrated in a band stretching from London through Stratford and into parts of Grey and Bruce Counties, where snowfall warnings are in effect. Snow squalls are a major risk in these areas, with local blowing snow reducing visibility.
In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), a Yellow alert is in effect for flurries and a risk of freezing drizzle near noon. Total accumulations are expected to be around 2 cm, with winds gusting up to 60 km/h from the southwest. The temperature is expected to reach a high of plus 1°C, but wind chills will make it feel as cold as minus 20°C overnight.
Areas north of Toronto, including Newmarket, Aurora, Georgina, and Uxbridge, along with parts of northern York Region, are under a Yellow warning for freezing rain. This could lead to icy roads, sidewalks, and possible power outages.
Key Weather Facts for Southern Ontario
| Location | Forecast for Today (Jan 17) |
|---|---|
| Toronto | Flurries. Risk of freezing drizzle near noon. Amount 2 cm. Wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 60. High plus 1°C. Wind chill minus 20°C overnight. |
| London – Parkhill – Eastern Middlesex | Flurries ending late afternoon then cloudy with 40% chance of flurries. Risk of snow squalls. Local amount 10 cm. Local blowing snow late this afternoon. Wind northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. Temperature steady near minus 12°C. Wind chill near minus 23°C. |
| Windsor – Leamington – Essex County | A few flurries ending this afternoon then a mix of sun and cloud with 40% chance of flurries. Wind northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. High minus 9°C. Wind chill near minus 19°C. |
| St. Thomas – Aylmer – Eastern Elgin County | Flurries. Local amount 5 cm. Local blowing snow late this afternoon. Wind northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. Temperature steady near minus 10°C. Wind chill near minus 19°C. |
| Chatham-Kent – Rondeau Park | A few flurries ending this afternoon then cloudy with 40% chance of flurries. Local amount 2 to 4 cm. Local blowing snow. Wind northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. High minus 9°C. Wind chill near minus 19°C. |
| Stratford – Mitchell – Southern Perth County | Flurries ending late this afternoon then cloudy with 40% chance of flurries. Amount 5 to 10 cm. Wind north 20 km/h gusting to 40. High minus 12°C. Wind chill near minus 22°C. |
| Woodstock – Tillsonburg – Oxford County | Flurries ending late this afternoon then cloudy with 40% chance of flurries. Amount 5 to 10 cm. Local blowing snow late this afternoon. Wind northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. Temperature steady near minus 11°C. Wind chill near minus 20°C. |
| Innisfil – New Tecumseth – Angus | Flurries ending late this afternoon then cloudy with 40% chance of flurries. Amount 10 to 15 cm. Wind northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40. High minus 12°C. Wind chill near minus 22°C. |
Road Conditions and Safety Tips
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is advising drivers to check road conditions before travelling. The 511 Ontario website and app provide near real-time highway and traffic information, including construction, incidents, road closures, weather alerts, and the location of snowplows on highways across the province.
For local road conditions, drivers are encouraged to check with their respective county or regional road authorities. Perth County, for example, uses X (formerly Twitter) to update the public on road conditions, while Grey County has launched an email notification system to replace its former Twitter account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the colour-coded weather alerts mean?
Environment Canada’s new colour-coded weather alert system uses three colours to indicate the level of risk: Yellow (hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts), Orange (severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts), and Red (very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption).
How can I stay safe during a winter storm?
Before extreme weather hits, stay up to date on your car’s maintenance. Check your windshield wipers, clean your headlight covers, and check your tire treads. Keep an emergency kit in your car with things like booster cables, an ice scraper, flares, a blanket, and drinking water. Always slow down and leave space between you and other cars.
What should I do if I encounter a road closure?
Never drive on closed roads or around road closure barriers. When in doubt, play it safe! Check the latest road conditions and closures on the 511 Ontario website or app, or contact your local municipality for the most up-to-date information.
How can I report a road issue?
To report issues on a Grey County road, call 519-376-7337 or submit an issue online. For issues on a Provincial highway (6, 10, 26, 21), please call 1-866-222-2640. For local municipal roads (sideroads, concessions, in-town streets), contact your municipality.
Stay safe, stay informed, and stay connected with Canada Wire for the latest weather updates and road conditions across Southern Ontario.