A freezing drizzle advisory was in effect Saturday night for Toronto and surrounding areas in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario, prompting police to respond to multiple collisions. Environment Canada issued the advisory, warning of icy surfaces forming due to periods of freezing drizzle expected to continue into the evening.
The advisory encompassed the City of Toronto, York Region, and portions of Durham Region. Authorities urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous road conditions. Police across the Greater Toronto Area reported responding to numerous collisions as a result of the flash freeze and blowing snow.
The Golden Horseshoe, identified as the most densely populated and industrialized area in Canada, is experiencing the weather event. According to a 2021 census, the core of the region had a population of 7,759,635, while the greater area reached 9,765,188 residents – representing over 20 percent of Canada’s population and more than half of Ontario’s. Estimates from 2025 suggest the greater area’s population has surpassed 11 million.
Environment Canada’s advisory indicated that icy surfaces would be difficult to detect, increasing the risk of slips, and falls. The agency requested that individuals report severe weather events via email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or through posts on X using the hashtag #ONStorm.
The forecast for Sunday in Toronto includes periods of snow and a daytime high of 1 C. However, the temperature is expected to *perceive* like -6 C in the morning due to the wind chill. Monday’s forecast predicts cloudy skies with a 40 percent chance of flurries and a high of -3 C.
As of 11:00 PM EST Saturday, conditions at Toronto Pearson International Airport were reported as light snow, with a temperature of -0.8°C, a dew point of -1.6°C, 94% humidity, and an east-northeast wind at 13 km/h. The wind chill was -5°C, and visibility was 6 km.
