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Toronto's Record Snowfall: 500 Flights Canceled, Schools Closed

1/27/2026

49 12 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Toronto faced its record snowfall, nearly 60 cm, caused by Arctic air meeting tropical moisture.
More than 500 flights were canceled at Pearson International Airport, and 430 collisions occurred, including one fatality.
Mayor Olivia Chow (Mayor of Toronto) declared a "major snowstorm condition" as temperatures fell to -13°C.
The city closed schools and libraries and deployed over 600 snowplows to clear roads.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, which struck from March 11 to 14, resulted in over 400 deaths and paralyzed cities along the East Coast, including New York. The storm dropped up to 90 inches of snow, disrupting transportation and leading to significant infrastructure changes, such as the development of underground rail systems. This event underscored the urgent need for improved emergency response to severe weather.

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Story summary

Toronto faced its record snowfall, nearly 60 cm, caused by Arctic air meeting tropical moisture.
More than 500 flights were canceled at Pearson International Airport, and 430 collisions occurred, including one fatality.
Mayor Olivia Chow (Mayor of Toronto) declared a "major snowstorm condition" as temperatures fell to -13°C.
The city closed schools and libraries and deployed over 600 snowplows to clear roads.

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