Ontario is once again in the crosshairs of dangerous winter weather, with heavy snow, powerful winds and a surge of Arctic air combining to create life-threatening conditions across much of the province. From the Greater Toronto Area to midwestern and northern communities, residents are being urged to prepare for sudden whiteouts, hazardous travel and wind chills plunging into the minus 30s and below on Friday, February 6 and through the weekend. As the province continues to recover from recent major storms, authorities are warning that this new blast of winter could quickly turn routine errands and commutes into emergencies if people are not ready.
The Storm Setup: What Ontario Is Facing Today
A fast-moving low pressure system is sweeping across southern and central Ontario, pulling in moisture from the Great Lakes and sending bands of heavy snow across the region. In cities such as Toronto, Environment Canada has warned of 4 to 8 centimetres of snow through Friday, with the potential for higher local amounts where bands intensify. In midwestern Ontario, similar snowfall totals are expected before the system begins to shift east.
The snow on its own would be enough to slow traffic and snarl transit, but it is the wind that is raising the greatest concern. Gusts are forecast to reach 70 to 80 kilometres an hour in many exposed areas this afternoon and evening. Those winds will whip freshly fallen snow into the air, creating blowing snow and sudden, near-zero visibility in open country and along major highways.
Behind the low, an intense push of Arctic air is expected to drop temperatures rapidly. By Friday night and into Saturday morning, much of southern and midwestern Ontario will see actual air temperatures in the minus teens, with wind chills approaching or dropping past minus 30. In northern and more exposed regions, wind chills could be even lower, making even brief time outdoors hazardous.
Colour-Coded Alerts: Understanding Today’s Warnings
Ontario has increasingly been using a colour-coded system to communicate the severity of dangerous weather. For many residents, this system is still relatively new, but it is central to understanding the messaging around this snowstorm and the frigid air that follows. Today’s alerts range from yellow-level blowing snow advisories to orange-level blizzard and cold warnings in some parts of the province where impacts are expected to be most severe.
Yellow alerts are issued for conditions that can disrupt daily life and pose localized risks, such as slippery roads, fallen branches and brief power interruptions. In the context of this storm, yellow alerts are linked to strong winds, areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility that may lead to treacherous driving but are expected to be relatively short-lived or confined to certain areas.
Orange alerts, on the other hand, are used for more severe and widespread impacts, especially when dangerous conditions are likely to last longer or affect more people. During an orange snow or wind alert, authorities anticipate major disruptions to travel, a higher risk of collisions, extended power outages and a serious threat to anyone caught outdoors for long periods. Some regions of Ontario have already experienced orange-level blizzard and cold warnings this season, and the current cold snap has the potential to reach that level in places where wind chills are extreme.
Although red alerts remain rare and are reserved for only the most catastrophic events, the recent sequence of storms has served as a reminder that Ontario is capable of experiencing truly life-threatening winter weather. While today’s storm is not currently forecast to reach that highest threshold, officials are emphasizing that yellow and orange warnings still require immediate action from residents to reduce risk.
Travel and Infrastructure: How the Storm Will Disrupt Daily Life
Travel is expected to be one of the earliest and most visible casualties of this storm. As snow intensifies through Friday afternoon, major highways in and out of Toronto and across southern Ontario will quickly become slick, with sudden whiteouts making it difficult for drivers to see more than a few car lengths ahead. In midwestern counties, where wind-prone rural roads are common, visibility may briefly drop to near zero, prompting police to urge drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Public transit agencies are preparing for delays and service interruptions as buses navigate snow-covered streets and reduced visibility. Streetcar and commuter rail services may also be affected by drifting snow, icy switches and weather-related slow orders that force trains to operate at reduced speeds. Air travel, already under strain from earlier winter storms this season, could see fresh delays and cancellations if runway conditions deteriorate or winds become too strong for safe operations.
Power infrastructure is another concern. High winds can topple tree limbs onto power lines or bring down entire poles, especially in areas that have already been stressed by recent storms. While this particular system is not accompanied by the kind of heavy, wet snow that most often leads to widespread outages, a combination of intense gusts and drifting snow could still leave some communities in the dark. Utility companies have been pre-positioning crews and warning that restoration efforts may be slowed by the extreme cold once the storm has passed.
For those who must commute, experts are advising that people leave extra time, drive slowly, keep headlights on at all times and carry an emergency kit that includes warm clothing, blankets, water and non-perishable food. Employers are being encouraged to allow remote work where possible, particularly on Friday afternoon and evening, when conditions are expected to be at their worst.
Health Risks: Extreme Cold, Frostbite and Hypothermia
As the snow moves through, the story quickly shifts from slippery roads to dangerous cold. Environment and health officials are warning that, with wind chills dipping into the minus 30s and potentially lower in exposed areas, frostbite can develop in minutes on exposed skin. Hands, feet, ears and noses are particularly vulnerable, and even brief walks without proper protection can cause lasting damage.
Signs of frostbite begin subtly, often with tingling, numbness or a change in skin colour, progressing to hard, pale skin that may become waxy to the touch. If these early symptoms are ignored, the damage can become deeper and more serious, potentially leading to blistering and permanent tissue loss. Health professionals stress that anyone experiencing unusual pain, discoloration or persistent numbness in their extremities should move indoors immediately, rewarm gradually and seek medical advice.
Hypothermia is an even more serious threat. When the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, core temperature begins to fall, leading to shivering, confusion, slurred speech and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Elderly people, infants, individuals with chronic illnesses and those without adequate housing are at highest risk, but anyone caught outdoors without sufficient clothing can be affected. Officials remind residents to check on vulnerable neighbours, ensure that heating systems are functioning safely and never use outdoor grills or generators indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Medical authorities also point out that the cold does not only affect people. Pets can suffer frostbite and hypothermia as well, especially smaller breeds and those not acclimatized to deep winter conditions. The guidance is clear: if it is too cold for you to be comfortable outside, it is too cold for your pet.
How to Prepare at Home and on the Road
With warnings already in place, Ontarians still have a vital window of time to prepare. At home, that begins with ensuring that heating systems are working properly and that there is sufficient fuel or backup heat for the cold snap ahead. Residents are encouraged to seal drafts, close curtains at night to retain warmth and keep a supply of extra blankets within easy reach. For those living in older buildings, particularly in parts of Toronto and other cities, checking that windows are fully closed and that space heaters are being used safely is essential.
Emergency planners recommend that households maintain at least several days’ worth of non-perishable food, bottled water and essential medications. While there is no indication of province-wide shortages, local disruptions caused by blocked roads or power outages can make it difficult to resupply on short notice. Keeping a battery-powered flashlight, radio and a fully charged mobile phone provides critical communication lifelines if the power goes out.
On the road, preparation starts before leaving the driveway. Vehicles should be equipped with proper winter tires, topped-up windshield washer fluid rated for low temperatures and at least half a tank of fuel in case of delays. An emergency car kit, including warm clothing, blankets, a shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, booster cables and basic first aid supplies, can make the difference between an inconvenience and a crisis if a vehicle becomes stranded.
For those who rely on public transit, it is wise to build extra time into any journey and to dress for the possibility of longer waits at exposed stops or platforms. Multiple thin layers of clothing, topped with a windproof outer shell, insulated boots, a hat that covers the ears, gloves or mittens and a scarf or mask to protect the face are strongly advised. Even short walks between home, transit and work can be hazardous when wind chills plunge as low as forecast.
Regional Hotspots: Where Conditions Will Be Worst
Although much of Ontario will feel the impact of this storm and the cold that follows, certain regions are poised to bear the brunt. The Greater Toronto Area, still recovering from historic snowfall in late January that brought record accumulations and widespread disruption, faces another difficult day of commuting as fresh snow compounds already narrowed lanes and high snowbanks. The combination of new accumulation and strong winds will likely lead to blowing and drifting, especially in outlying suburban and rural districts.
Midwestern Ontario, including Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce counties, is expected to see some of the most severe blowing snow conditions. Here, strong northwesterly winds sweeping across open fields can quickly erase visibility, even when total snowfall amounts are relatively modest. Previous storms this winter have already led to stretches of highway being temporarily closed due to whiteouts, and officials warn that a similar scenario is possible again late Friday and into the night.
Northern Ontario is also bracing for dangerously low temperatures, with the cold air mass intensifying as it moves across the region. Communities that are accustomed to harsh winter weather may still find the combination of deep cold and wind challenging, particularly for those who work outdoors, such as in mining, forestry and transportation. Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of dressing in layers, taking frequent warm-up breaks and never working alone in remote areas during the coldest periods.
Urban areas, while somewhat shielded from the very worst of the blowing snow, face their own unique threats. High-rise residents can experience intensified wind gusts that make balconies and rooftops particularly hazardous. City crews will again be pressed to clear roads, sidewalks and bike lanes within tight timeframes, while emergency services respond to an uptick in collisions, slips and falls and cold-related medical calls.
The Takeaway
Ontario’s latest blast of winter is a reminder that the season is far from over and that even a few hours of heavy snow and intense cold can have province-wide consequences. With strong winds, blowing snow and plunging temperatures all arriving in quick succession, residents are being urged not to underestimate the storm simply because total snowfall amounts may be moderate in some areas. The real dangers lie in sudden whiteouts, icy roads, and cold that can injure exposed skin in minutes.
Staying safe over the next several days will depend on preparation, caution and community awareness. That means adjusting travel plans, dressing appropriately, checking on vulnerable neighbours and loved ones and giving road crews and emergency responders the space they need to do their jobs. For many Ontarians, winter is a familiar adversary, but this storm and the deep freeze that trails it demand renewed respect.
By paying attention to local alerts, understanding what the colour-coded warnings mean and taking simple steps to prepare at home and on the road, residents can significantly reduce their risk. The message from authorities and forecasters is clear: brace yourself, plan ahead and treat this storm and the cold that follows as the serious, potentially life-threatening event it is.
FAQ
Q1: How much snow is expected from this storm in Ontario?
Many parts of southern and midwestern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area, are forecast to receive roughly 4 to 8 centimetres of snow, with higher localized amounts possible where bands intensify. While this is less than some of the season’s earlier storms, the combination of fresh snow and powerful winds will create much more dangerous conditions than the totals alone might suggest.
Q2: Why are officials so concerned if snowfall amounts are not extreme?
The main concern is the combination of moderate snowfall with very strong wind gusts and an abrupt drop in temperature. Winds up to 70 or 80 kilometres an hour can whip even a small amount of loose snow into the air, causing whiteouts and drifting. At the same time, rapidly falling temperatures and severe wind chills increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone caught outdoors or stranded on the roads.
Q3: What do the yellow and orange alerts actually mean for me?
Yellow alerts indicate that weather is likely to cause localized disruptions and some risk to safety, such as slippery roads, brief power outages and reduced visibility. Orange alerts are more serious and signal that conditions may be dangerous and widespread, with major travel delays, higher collision risks and potentially extended outages. In either case, residents should take the alerts as a call to prepare, adjust plans and exercise extra caution.
Q4: How can I protect myself from frostbite and hypothermia during this cold snap?
Dress in multiple layers, including a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer and windproof outer shell. Wear insulated boots, a warm hat, gloves or mittens and a scarf or face covering to shield exposed skin. Limit time outdoors, especially during periods of peak wind chill, and move indoors immediately if you notice numbness, tingling or changes in skin colour. Avoid alcohol, which can impair judgment and accelerate heat loss, and seek medical help if you suspect serious cold injury.
Q5: Is it safe to drive during the height of the storm?
Authorities strongly advise avoiding non-essential travel during the worst of the snow and wind. If you must drive, slow down, increase your following distance, turn on your headlights and be prepared for sudden whiteouts, particularly on open rural roads and highways. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires and an emergency kit, and let someone know your route and expected arrival time in case you become stranded.
Q6: What should I have in my home emergency kit for a winter storm?
A well-prepared home kit should include several days’ worth of non-perishable food, bottled water, essential medications, flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-powered or crank radio, blankets, a basic first aid kit and backup power sources if available. It is also wise to keep important documents in a waterproof container and to have a plan for safely heating your home if the power goes out, avoiding any devices that produce carbon monoxide indoors.
Q7: How will this storm affect schools, workplaces and public transit?
Decisions about closures and schedule changes will vary by region and organization, but the combination of snow, blowing snow and extreme cold may lead to delayed openings, early dismissals or full closures, especially in areas hit hardest by whiteouts or frigid wind chills. Public transit systems are likely to experience delays and possible service adjustments. Travellers should monitor local news and official channels for the latest updates.
Q8: What can I do to help vulnerable neighbours during this extreme cold?
Check in by phone or in person, if it is safe to do so, with elderly neighbours, people with disabilities and anyone you know who may be living alone or without reliable heat. Ensure they have adequate warm clothing, blankets, food and any necessary medications. Offer assistance with shovelling, errands or arranging transportation to warming centres or shelters if needed, and encourage them to stay informed about changing conditions.
Q9: How should I protect my pets and livestock in this weather?
Pets should be brought indoors during periods of extreme cold and not left outside for extended periods. Short, supervised outings with proper protection, such as coats or booties for smaller or short-haired animals, are recommended. For livestock, provide shelter from the wind, dry bedding and access to unfrozen water, and monitor animals closely for signs of distress or cold-related illness.
Q10: When will conditions start to improve across Ontario?
The heaviest snow and strongest winds are expected to ease after the low pressure system passes, generally from late Friday into Saturday. However, the extreme cold will linger, with dangerous wind chills likely to persist through the weekend and potentially into early next week. While travel conditions may slowly improve as roads are cleared and winds subside, the risk from severe cold will remain high, so residents should continue to take precautions even after the snow has stopped falling.