GTA Hit by First Snowfall, Hundreds of Collisions Reported
The Greater Toronto Area experienced its first significant snowfall of the season on Sunday, and it quickly translated into a chaotic day on the roads. According to the Ontario Provincial Police, a total of 340 collisions were reported across the region. Sgt. Kerry Schmidt from the OPP Highway Safety Division explained that 220 of these incidents were directly attended by police, while another 120 involved vehicles stuck in ditches or otherwise immobilized, leaving officers unable to reach them.
The first reports of collisions started early on Sunday afternoon, with numbers quickly rising as snow continued to fall. By the end of the day, collisions had more than doubled from the initial 140 incidents reported earlier in the evening. Thankfully, Sgt. Schmidt confirmed that there were no serious injuries reported in connection with these accidents.
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Most of the collisions have been attributed to drivers failing to adjust their speed and attention for the winter conditions. “Driving too fast for the weather and not paying attention were the main causes,” Schmidt stated. Similar patterns were observed across York Region, where police responded to around 110 collisions between midnight and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday—a figure significantly higher than on a typical day.
Peel Police also reported an uptick in incidents during the height of the snowfall, with 12 collisions occurring between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Although Peel officers primarily respond only to accidents resulting in injury or road closures, the number still reflects the impact of the season’s first snow. Officials emphasized that winter weather usually brings slower commutes and urges motorists to exercise patience.
Environment Canada had predicted snow accumulations ranging from two to ten centimetres across much of the GTA. Residents were advised to consider winter tires and to drive cautiously. By Sunday evening, while the special weather advisory had been lifted for most of Southern Ontario, some areas including Sarnia, Petrolia, and Western Lambton County continued to be monitored for icy and slippery conditions.
Authorities across Toronto and surrounding regions have reminded drivers to slow down, leave extra time for travel, and equip their vehicles for winter. “Watch your speed, give yourself time—don’t rush—and have snow tires,” a spokesperson from York Regional Police advised. Viktor Sarudi of the Toronto Police Service echoed the sentiment, noting that patience and caution can make a significant difference during snow events.
As residents cope with the season’s first snowfall, the message from law enforcement is clear: winter driving demands preparation, awareness, and above all, patience. The snowy conditions serve as an early reminder that the roads in the GTA are about to get a lot busier and a lot slipperier.
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