Southern Ontario: School Bus Cancellations for Thursday, March 6, 2025

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Cancellation & Closure Map (English Public and Catholic Schools)

Please note: School board boundaries are a rough estimate. Don’t use this map to determine what school board or weather zone you live in as accuracy isn’t guaranteed.

  • Green = No Cancellations

  • Red = Cancellations (Click for More Details)

  • Purple = School Closures (Click for More Details)

List of Cancellations & Closures

English Public and Catholic Schools

  • Avon MaitIand Public & Huron-Perth CathoIic: There are several cancellations and school closures, please visit this link for more details: https://geoquery.hpsts.ca/Alerts

  • BIuewater Public & Bruce-Grey Catholic: There are several cancellations, please visit this link for more details: https://www.mybrucegreyschoolbus.ca/Cancellations.aspx

  • Dufferin-PeeI Catholic: Buses to St Andrew, St Peter, St Benedict and RF Hall are cancelled today. St Andrew, St Peter and St Benedict are closed.

  • Durham Public & Durham Catholic: DSTS has cancelled Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3 transportation for today due to inclement weather.

  • Near North Public & Nipissing-Parry Sound CathoIic: Bussing for all weather corridors are cancelled today.

  • Kawartha Pine Ridge Public & Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic: All busses are cancelled.

  • PeeI Public: All transportation to RF Hall SS is cancelled today due to cancellations in Dufferin County.

  • Rainbow Public & Sudbury Catholic: All busses are cancelled.

  • Renfrew County Public & Renfrew County Catholic: Transportation services are CANCELLED for Zone 1 (Deep River), Zone 4 (Madawaska), Zone 5 (Cobden, Douglas, Eganville)

  • Simcoe County Public & Simcoe Catholic: All busses are cancelled. Schools are closed in Muskoka.

  • Thames Valley Public & London CathoIic: ALL school purpose vehicles servicing LDCSB & TVDSB in Middlesex County, Oxford County, Elgin County, and the Red Zone will be CANCELLED

  • Tri-Board: Due to current road conditions and the expected drop in temperature, transportation is cancelled in the North Hastings weather zone today.

  • Trillium LakeIands: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Upper Grand Public & Wellington CathoIic: Busses are cancelled for Centre Wellington, Town of Erin, Town of Rockwood (Division 2), North Wellington (Division 3), and Dufferin County and Robert F. Hall (Division 4). Schools in these Divisions are also closed.


French Schools

  • Conseil catholique MonAvenir: Disruption to school transport and/or the opening of certain schools in the following regions: Durham, Simcoe, Peterborough

  • Conseil scolaire catholique Providence: Busses are cancelled for Region of Oxford, Region of Middlesex (rural routes), Region of Bruce-Grey

  • Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO): All busses are cancelled

  • Conseil scolaire Viamonde: Busses are cancelled for Region of Simcoe, Region of Durham, Region of Wellington

  • Le Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (CSPNE) & Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord: All busses are cancelled.

'Snow Day' Forecast: Flash Freeze Risk Could Cancel School Buses in Parts of Southern Ontario on Thursday

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For an updated list of school bus cancellations & school closures, please visit our live article: https://instantweatherinc.com/article/2025/3/6/bus-cancellations

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After Southern Ontario got a brief taste of spring-like weather with mild temperatures and heavy rain on Wednesday, a drastic shift is about to take hold as temperatures plummet below freezing.

This sharp drop will likely lead to the development of icy roads, especially in areas where surfaces are still wet from rain and snowmelt over the past 24 hours. Blowing snow could also become a concern around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, with lake-effect snow returning to those regions on Thursday.

While we don’t typically issue bus cancellation forecasts based on local road conditions, the situation is widespread enough to warrant a forecast, especially with Environment Canada alerts mentioning hazardous travel conditions.

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) has already announced full school closures for Thursday, and it wouldn’t be surprising if other nearby school boards follow suit—at least in terms of school bus cancellations.

The school boards and bus consortiums most likely to cancel buses on Thursday include Bluewater, Near North, and Tri-Board, as they tend to be the most proactive when it comes to poor road conditions.

For the rest of the rural school boards across Central and Eastern Ontario, it’s a toss-up and will depend on local road conditions. Some areas in the orange zone could see cancellations, while others might run as usual. This uncertainty is exactly why we typically don’t issue forecasts for cancellations due to icy roads.

Urban school boards in the GTA and Ottawa are unlikely to be affected, as road conditions are generally much better in these areas.

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures.

It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

Icy Mix, Flash Freeze and Strong Winds Could Bring Travel Disruptions to Ontario on Thursday

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Thursday, March 6, 2025: Winter Weather Hazards For Parts of Ontario

Environment Canada is forecasting a mix of snow, strong winds, and rapidly dropping temperatures for Thursday. Rain will transition to snow across much of the province, with accumulations of 5 to 10 cm expected in several areas. Strong northwest winds could reach up to 80 km/h, leading to widespread blowing snow and dangerous travel conditions, especially southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Additionally, a sharp temperature drop will cause any standing water or wet surfaces to freeze quickly, creating hazardous icy conditions. Eastern Ontario and the Greater Golden Horseshoe will see a heightened risk of ice as rain transitions to freezing conditions throughout the day. Travelers should prepare for difficult driving conditions, reduced visibility, and potential road closures. Stay updated on this evolving system as details continue to develop.

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Location: Portions of central Ontario and southern portions of northeastern Ontario

  • Hazard(s): Snow, Blowing Snow, and Ice

  • Timing: Thursday

  • Impact(s): Difficult travel conditions, reduced visibility, and possible road closures.

  • Confidence: High

  • Impact Level: Moderate

Rain will transition to snow early Thursday morning, with snowfall accumulations of 5 to 10 cm expected. Alongside this snowfall, gusty northwest winds will lead to blowing snow in exposed areas. A sharp temperature drop will cause any standing water or wet surfaces to freeze quickly, creating hazardous icy conditions Thursday morning.

Location: Areas southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay

  • Hazard(s): Snow, Blowing Snow, Wind, and Ice

  • Timing: Thursday

  • Impact(s): Difficult travel conditions, reduced visibility, possible road closures, and potential power outages.

  • Confidence: Moderate

  • Impact Level: High

Rain will transition to snow overnight or early Thursday morning, with 5 to 10 cm of accumulation possible. Strong northwest winds up to 80 km/h are expected, causing widespread blowing snow and dangerous whiteout conditions. The sharp temperature drop will also lead to ice formation as wet surfaces quickly freeze Thursday morning.

Location: Portions of eastern Ontario and the Greater Golden Horseshoe

  • Hazard(s): Ice

  • Timing: Thursday

  • Impact(s): Difficult travel conditions due to rapid freezing and ice buildup.

  • Confidence: Moderate

  • Impact Level: Moderate

    Rain will transition to snow Thursday morning or afternoon, accompanied by a sharp drop in temperature. Any standing water or wet surfaces are expected to freeze quickly throughout the day, leading to slick and icy conditions on roads and sidewalks.

Location: Portions of southwestern Ontario and areas northeast of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario

  • Hazard(s): Snow, blowing snow, wind, and ice

  • Timing: Thursday

  • Impact(s): Difficult travel conditions, reduced visibility, and possible road closures. Possible power outages.

  • Confidence: Moderate

  • Impact Level: Moderate

Rain will transition to snow overnight or early Thursday morning, with snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 cm expected. Strong west or southwest winds, potentially reaching 80 km/h, may cause blowing snow in exposed areas, further reducing visibility. A sharp temperature drop will also lead to icy conditions as standing water or wet surfaces freeze rapidly Thursday morning. Travelers should prepare for hazardous road conditions and potential disruptions.

Friday, March 7, 2025: Snow Squalls & Blowing Snow

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Location: Southeast of Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay

  • Hazard(s): Snow and blowing snow

  • Timing: Beginning Thursday evening and continuing through Friday

  • Impact(s): Possible difficult travel conditions

  • Confidence: Moderate

  • Impact: Moderate

Lake effect snow is expected to develop Thursday night and persist through Friday, bringing total snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm. Gusty winds may lead to areas of blowing snow, particularly in exposed locations, reducing visibility and making travel hazardous. Drivers should prepare for changing road conditions and potential delays.

Final Thoughts:

As this storm system moves through, travel across parts of Ontario will become increasingly difficult on Thursday due to a combination of snow, blowing snow, strong winds, and icy conditions. The transition from rain to snow, along with a sharp temperature drop, will create hazardous roads as wet surfaces quickly freeze. Power outages are also a concern in areas experiencing stronger winds, particularly near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Lake effect snow will add to the challenges on Friday, especially southeast of Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay, where accumulating snowfall and blowing snow could lead to reduced visibility and treacherous driving conditions. While uncertainty remains regarding exact snowfall totals, the potential for rapid changes in weather conditions warrants extra caution.

If you must travel, plan ahead, check road conditions frequently, and be prepared for sudden deteriorations. Stay tuned for updates as this system develops.

Be safe, folks!

Disclaimer: These forecasts are issued by Environment Canada and typically published via their Twitter/X accounts. We receive these forecast via a daily email and often publish them for our communities to see.

Southern Ontario: School Bus Cancellations for Wednesday, March 5, 2025

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Cancellation & Closure Map (English Public and Catholic Schools)

Please note: School board boundaries are a rough estimate. Don’t use this map to determine what school board or weather zone you live in as accuracy isn’t guaranteed.

  • Green = No Cancellations

  • Red = Cancellations (Click for More Details)

  • Purple = School Closures (Click for More Details)

List of Cancellations & Closures

English Public and Catholic Schools

  • Durham Public & Durham Catholic: DSTS has cancelled Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3 transportation for today due to inclement weather.

  • Near North Public & Nipissing-Parry Sound CathoIic: Bussing for all weather corridors are cancelled today.

  • Rainbow Public & Sudbury Catholic: All busses are cancelled.

  • Renfrew County Public & Renfrew County Catholic: Transportation services are CANCELLED for ALL AREAS by for Wednesday March 5, 2025 due on going Freezing Rain with mixed precipitation forecasted throughout the day.

  • Simcoe County Public & Simcoe Catholic: Busses are cancelled for Muskoka.

  • Tri-Board: Due to current road conditions, transportation is cancelled in some of Tri-Board’s north and central weather zones today. For a complete list of bus cancellations and delays visit: https://triboard.mybusplanner.ca/Alerts

  • Trillium LakeIands: All school vehicles to schools in all Zones for Trillium Lakelands District School Board have been cancelled.


French Schools

  • Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO): School transport is cancelled today for schools in Pembroke due to poor road conditions in this area.

  • Conseil des écoles catholiques de langue française du Centre-Est: transportation has been cancelled for schools in Pembroke due bad road conditions.

  • Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO): All busses are cancelled.

  • Le Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (CSPNE) & Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord: All busses are cancelled.

Flooding Risk & Heavy Snow Possible Wednesday For Parts of Ontario Says Environment Canada's Forecast

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A Colorado Low is expected to bring a mix of rain and snow to Ontario on Wednesday, potentially leading to flooding concerns in some areas and hazardous winter weather in others. The exact track of this system remains uncertain, and future updates may bring changes to precipitation amounts and affected areas. Here’s what Environment Canada has mentioned in their forecast:

Southern Ontario: Flooding Risk for Tuesday night - Wednesday, March 5:

Hazard: Rain
Location: East of Lake Huron, central Ontario, and portions of northeastern Ontario
Timing: Tuesday night through Wednesday
Impact: Potential flooding in low-lying areas and possible washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
Confidence: Low
Impact: High

A strong system moving into the province could bring significant rainfall to these regions. The combination of heavy rain and rapid snowmelt in areas with a deep snowpack could lead to localized flooding issues. The exact track of the system remains uncertain, so be sure to stay updated as new information becomes available.

Hazard: Rain
Location: Southwestern, eastern Ontario, and the Golden Horseshoe
Timing: Tuesday night through Wednesday
Impact: Possible flooding in low-lying areas.
Confidence: Low
Impact: Moderate

Rainfall from the same system could cause flooding concerns in urban areas and places with poor drainage. While the overall flood risk is lower than in central and northeastern Ontario, localized issues remain possible due to snowmelt and prolonged rainfall.

Northeastern Ontario: Heavy Snow Possible Wednesday, March 5:

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Environment Canada’s forecast:

Hazard: Snow
Location: Northeastern Ontario and areas north of Lake Superior
Timing: Wednesday
Impact: Difficult travel conditions, reduced visibility, and possible road closures.
Confidence: Low
Impact: High

While some areas receive heavy rain, northern Ontario will likely see significant snowfall, which could lead to hazardous travel conditions. The heaviest snow is expected in areas north of Lake Superior, but the exact placement of the heaviest bands will depend on the storm’s final track.

Final Thoughts:

There remains significant uncertainty regarding the exact storm track, precipitation types, and total amounts. Future updates may adjust the areas of concern and the severity of the impacts. Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor conditions closely and be prepared for potential flooding. Those in Northeastern Ontario should prepare for heavy snowfall and difficult travel conditions. Stay tuned for further updates as more details become available.

Disclaimer: These forecasts are issued by Environment Canada and typically published via their Twitter/X accounts. We receive these forecast via a daily email and often publish them for our communities to see.

Southern Ontario: School Bus Cancellations for Friday, February 28, 2025

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Cancellation & Closure Map (English Public and Catholic Schools)

Please note: School board boundaries are a rough estimate. Don’t use this map to determine what school board or weather zone you live in as accuracy isn’t guaranteed.

  • Green = No Cancellations

  • Red = Cancellations (Click for More Details)

  • Purple = School Closures (Click for More Details)

List of Cancellations & Closures

English Public and Catholic Schools

  • Kawartha Pine Ridge Public & Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic: All busses are cancelled.

  • Near North Public & Nipissing-Parry Sound CathoIic: All busses are cancelled.

  • Rainbow Public & Sudbury Catholic: All busses are cancelled.

  • Tri-Board: Transportation is cancelled in the North Hastings weather zone today.


French Schools

  • Conseil catholique MonAvenir: Busses are cancelled in the Peterborough Region

  • Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO): All busses are cancelled.

  • Le Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (CSPNE) & Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord: All busses are cancelled.

'Snow Day' Forecast: Alberta Clipper May Give Some Students in Ontario a Long Weekend on Friday

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For an updated list of school bus cancellations & school closures, please visit our live article: https://instantweatherinc.com/article/2025/2/28/bus-cancellations

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A strong Alberta Clipper is set to sweep across Southern Ontario beginning late Friday morning, bringing widespread snowfall that will continue throughout the day. The heaviest impacts are expected in Central and Eastern Ontario, where snowfall totals of 10 to 20 cm are forecasted.

Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings and weather advisories for many regions, signaling the potential for hazardous travel conditions. Based on these alerts, it is likely that some school boards will choose to cancel buses due to the expected dangerous afternoon commute.

However, confidence in widespread cancellations is slightly lower due to the timing of the snow, which will begin later in the morning rather than overnight. This means school boards will need to be proactive, making decisions early Friday morning based on the latest weather alerts and forecast updates.

The most proactive school boards, including Near North and Tri-Board (North Hastings), are the most likely to cancel buses, with a strong (75%) chance of cancellations on Friday. Other school boards across Central and Eastern Ontario have a lower but still notable chance, ranging from slight to 50/50, depending on the school board history and the level of Environment Canada alerts in effect.

Meanwhile, Southwestern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are expected to receive less snow, with accumulations falling below the typical threshold for school bus cancellations. While roads may still be slick during the evening commute, widespread cancellations in these areas are unlikely.

Here is a breakdown of the likelihood of school bus cancellations by region:

Likely (75–90% Chance)

  • Near North District School Board (All Regions)

  • Tri-Board (North Hastings)

Possible (50–75% Chance)

  • Bluewater District School Board (Bruce Peninsula)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (North Zone)

  • Trillium Lakelands District School Board (Muskoka, Haliburton & North CKL)

  • Tri-Board (Central Hastings & North L&A)

  • Renfrew County District School Board (Madawaska)

  • Rainbow District School Board

  • Algoma District School Board

Maybe (25–50% Chance)

  • Bluewater District School Board (Rest of Regions)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (West & Central Zone)

  • Trillium Lakelands District School Board (South CKL)

  • Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (Peterborough)

  • Tri-Board (North & Central Frontenac)

  • Renfrew County District School Board (Rest of Regions)

  • Upper Canada District School Board

Unlikely (10–25% Chance)

  • STWDSTS (Dufferin & Wellington)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (South Zone)

  • Durham District School Board (North)

  • Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (Northumberland)

  • Tri-Board (Rest of Regions)

  • Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

For the rest of Southern Ontario, the chance of school bus cancellations is less than 10%.

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures.

It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

Winter Returns to Ontario as End of Week Clipper Brings Widespread 10-20cm of Snow for the Start of March

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The first half of February has been nothing short of active across Ontario, with what felt like an endless stream of snowstorms dumping significant amounts of snow across many areas.

Fortunately, the latter half of the month provided a much-needed break from the active weather pattern. Milder temperatures pushed daytime highs above the freezing mark, leading to a steady melt of the extensive snowpack that had built up over previous weeks.

However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. As we flip the calendar to March, active weather is set to make a comeback. A strong Alberta Clipper is on track to sweep across Northern and Southern Ontario on Friday, bringing widespread snowfall totals of 10 to 20 cm by Saturday.

In addition to the snow, this system will usher in much colder temperatures for the weekend. Wind chills are expected to drop into the -20s across Southern Ontario, while Northern Ontario will see even more bitter conditions, with wind chills dipping into the -30s. This will feel like a drastic change compared to the mild temperatures earlier this week, when parts of Southern Ontario saw highs in the mid to upper single digits.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

The first signs of the approaching clipper will be felt in Northwestern Ontario late Thursday night into early Friday morning, as snow spreads in from Central Manitoba.

Locations like Kenora, Dryden, and Thunder Bay will be the first to see snowfall, beginning around midnight and continuing into the early morning hours.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

As the system moves eastward, snow will taper off across Northwestern Ontario by late Friday morning, while the heaviest snowfall shifts to Northeastern Ontario, particularly around Lake Superior and Georgian Bay.

By this time, we’ll also begin to see light snow entering Southwestern Ontario, particularly around Lake Huron, which will become more widespread as the day progresses.

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

By Friday afternoon, snow will spread into Southern Ontario, becoming more steady across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The heaviest accumulations will likely be concentrated along the Lake Huron and Georgian Bay shorelines, particularly in Grey-Bruce, Muskoka, and Parry Sound. Lake enhancement in these areas could provide an extra boost to snowfall totals.

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

The worst conditions for Southern Ontario will occur Friday evening, when snowfall rates could reach 2 to 4 cm per hour in the most intense bands. The snow will be widespread, impacting Central and Eastern Ontario, the GTA, and Grey-Bruce.

Additionally, blowing snow may become a significant issue, as wind gusts of 40 to 70 km/h could reduce visibility on the roads.

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

By midnight, snowfall intensity will begin to gradually diminish, and most areas southwest of Lake Simcoe—including the GTA—should see snow tapering off. However, lake-effect snow east of Lake Huron may continue into the overnight hours.

Meanwhile, light snow will persist overnight across Central and Eastern Ontario, but it is expected to slowly taper off by Saturday morning.

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In terms of Alberta Clippers, this one appears to be on the stronger side, with a fair amount of moisture to work with. While it will be fast-moving, we are still expecting widespread snowfall totals between 10 to 20 cm across much of Central and Eastern Ontario by Saturday morning.

Some areas could overachieve, with up to 25 cm possible, especially in regions east of Georgian Bay, where lake enhancement could further boost totals.

Further south, including areas like Goderich, Kitchener, Toronto, Peterborough, and Kingston, lower snowfall amounts are expected. While these regions will still see fresh snow, totals will likely range between 5 to 10 cm due to lower snowfall rates compared to areas further north.

For Deep Southwestern Ontario, including London and the Niagara region, snowfall will be minimal, with less than 5 cm expected.

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Across Northern Ontario, a wide swath of the region is on track to receive 10 to 20 cm from this system, including Dryden, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Sudbury, and North Bay.

As with the south, there is potential for some areas to overperform, particularly east of Lake Superior, where localized totals of up to 25 cm are possible.

With accumulating snow, strong winds, and plummeting temperatures, this clipper will bring notable impacts heading into the weekend. Stay tuned for further updates as the system approaches!

Southern Ontario: School Bus Cancellations for Wednesday, February 19, 2025

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Cancellation & Closure Map (English Public and Catholic Schools)

Please note: School board boundaries are a rough estimate. Don’t use this map to determine what school board or weather zone you live in as accuracy isn’t guaranteed.

  • Green = No Cancellations

  • Red = Cancellations (Click for More Details)

  • Purple = School Closures (Click for More Details)

List of Cancellations & Closures

English Public and Catholic Schools

  • Avon MaitIand Public & Huron-Perth CathoIic: There are several cancellations and school closures, please visit this link for more details: https://geoquery.hpsts.ca/Alerts

  • BIuewater Public & Bruce-Grey Catholic: There are multiple cancellations and school closures, please visit this link for more details: https://www.mybrucegreyschoolbus.ca/Cancellations.aspx

  • Dufferin-PeeI Catholic: Buses to St Andrew, St Peter, St Benedict & RF Hall are cancelled today.

  • PeeI Public: All transportation to RF Hall SS is cancelled today due to cancellations in Dufferin County.

  • Thames Valley Public & London CathoIic: There are isolated cancellations, please visit this link for more details: https://transportation.mybigyellowbus.ca/Cancellations.aspx

  • Upper Grand Public & Wellington CathoIic: Busses are cancelled for North Wellington (Division 3) & Dufferin County and RF Hall (Division 4).


French Schools

  • Conseil scolaire catholique Providence: Busses are cancelled for the Region of Bruce-Grey & Huron Perth of Middlesex Region

'Snow Day' Forecast: Another Day of Likely Bus Cancellations in Southern Ontario’s Snowbelt on Wednesday

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For an updated list of school bus cancellations & school closures, please visit our live article: https://instantweatherinc.com/article/2025/2/19/bus-cancellations

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Snow squalls have continued to dump heavy snow across parts of the snowbelt region, particularly east of Lake Huron and along the southern shoreline of Georgian Bay, throughout the day on Tuesday. These intense bursts of snowfall have created near-whiteout conditions at times, making travel extremely difficult and forcing numerous road closures.

While squalls are expected to weaken overnight, road conditions will likely remain hazardous in the hardest-hit areas. Plows have struggled to keep up, with snow accumulating faster than it can be cleared. Many roads remain impassable, and even as crews work through the night, some routes may not be fully cleared by morning.

As a result, there’s a strong likelihood of another round of school bus cancellations on Wednesday, particularly in areas where rural backroads are still buried. The highest chances for a snow day include all of Grey-Bruce and northern Huron County, where widespread road closures have been reported.

Simcoe County may also see some bus cancellations, especially in communities closer to Georgian Bay, where snowfall has been heaviest and conditions remain the most difficult.

Outside of these core snowbelt regions, there’s a possibility of bus cancellations in Dufferin and Wellington counties, as well as northern Durham (around Beaverton) and parts of Kawartha Lakes. However, the likelihood in these areas is less certain and will depend on how quickly road crews can clear the snow overnight.

Here is a breakdown of the likelihood of school bus cancellations by region:

Almost Certain (90–99% Chance)

  • Avon Maitland District School Board (Goderich)

  • Bluewater District School Board (All Regions)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (West Zone)

Likely (75–90% Chance)

  • Avon Maitland District School Board (Listowel)

  • STWDSTS (Dufferin)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (Central Zone)

Possible (50–75% Chance)

  • Avon Maitland District School Board (Exeter & Stratford)

  • STWDSTS (Wellington)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (South & North Zone)

Maybe (25–50% Chance)

  • Durham District School Board (North)

  • Trillium Lakelands District School Board (South CKL)

Unlikely (10–25% Chance)

  • Thames Valley District School Board (Middlesex & Oxford)

  • Waterloo Region District School Board

  • Peel District School Board (North)

  • Trillium Lakelands District School Board (North CKL)

For the rest of Southern Ontario, the chance of school bus cancellations is less than 10%.

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures.

It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

Southern Ontario: School Bus Cancellations for Tuesday, February 18, 2025

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Cancellation & Closure Map (English Public and Catholic Schools)

Please note: School board boundaries are a rough estimate. Don’t use this map to determine what school board or weather zone you live in as accuracy isn’t guaranteed.

  • Green = No Cancellations

  • Red = Cancellations (Click for More Details)

  • Purple = School Closures (Click for More Details)

List of Cancellations & Closures

English Public and Catholic Schools

  • Avon MaitIand Public & Huron-Perth CathoIic: There are several cancellations and school closures, please visit this link for more details: https://geoquery.hpsts.ca/Alerts

  • BIuewater Public & Bruce-Grey Catholic: There are multiple cancellations and school closures, please visit this link for more details: https://www.mybrucegreyschoolbus.ca/Cancellations.aspx

  • Dufferin-PeeI Catholic: Buses to St Andrew, St Peter, St Benedict & RF Hall are cancelled today. St Andrew, St Peter and St Benedict are CLOSED,

  • Durham Public & Durham Catholic: DSTS has cancelled Zone 1 transportation for today

  • Kawartha Pine Ridge Public & Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic: All transportation is cancelled today in Northumberland, Clarington, Peterborough City and County.

  • PeeI Public: All transportation to RF Hall SS is cancelled today due to cancellations in Dufferin County.

  • Simcoe County Public & Simcoe Catholic: Busses are cancelled in all Simcoe County zones.

  • Thames Valley Public & London CathoIic: School purpose vehicles are CANCELLED for the day in MIDDLESEX & OXFORD Counties.

  • Trillium Lakelands: All school vehicles to schools in Zone 4 and Zone 5 have been cancelled today.

  • Upper Grand Public & Wellington CathoIic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed, except for RF Hall.

French Schools

  • Conseil catholique MonAvenir: Disruption to school transport and/or the opening of certain schools in the following regions: Wellington, Simcoe & Peterborough

  • Conseil scolaire catholique Providence: Busses are cancelled in Region of Oxford, Region of Middlesex, Region of Bruce-Grey

  • Conseil scolaire Viamonde: Busses are cancelled for the Region of Durham and the Region of Waterloo (Guelph routes)

'Snow Day' Forecast: Widespread School Bus Cancellations Likely in Southern Ontario's Snowbelt on Tuesday

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For an updated list of school bus cancellations & school closures, please visit our live article: https://instantweatherinc.com/article/2025/2/18/bus-cancellations

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Intense snow squalls have been pounding the snowbelt region, including Grey-Bruce and Simcoe County, throughout the day. Heavy snowfall and strong winds have created dangerous whiteout conditions, making travel nearly impossible in some areas.

As a result, plows have been pulled off the roads, and numerous road closures have been reported across Grey-Bruce due to the lack of visibility and the sheer volume of snow accumulating too quickly to clear.

With these intense squalls expected to continue overnight and into Tuesday, it’s hard to imagine school buses being able to operate safely in the hardest-hit areas. A snow day is looking like a near certainty for students across Grey-Bruce and parts of Simcoe County, including the City of Barrie, where snowfall rates remain extreme and drifts continue to build.

Beyond the snowbelt, blowing snow could still cause problems across parts of Southwestern and Central Ontario, extending into portions of the GTA. This may increase the likelihood of school bus cancellations in some areas, though the chances are lower the farther you get from the core snowbelt region.

Many school boards covering urban areas tend to have a higher threshold for cancellations, meaning decisions will likely depend on road conditions early Tuesday morning.

Here is a breakdown of the likelihood of school bus cancellations by region:

Almost Certain (90–99% Chance)

  • Bluewater District School Board (All Regions)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (West & Central Zone)

Likely (75–90% Chance)

  • Avon Maitland District School Board (Goderich)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (South & North Zone)

Possible (50–75% Chance)

  • Avon Maitland District School Board (Listowel)

  • STWDSTS (Dufferin)

Maybe (25–50% Chance)

  • Avon Maitland District School Board (Exeter & Stratford)

  • STWDSTS (Wellington)

  • Durham District School Board (North)

  • Trillium Lakelands District School Board (South CKL)

Unlikely (10–25% Chance)

  • Waterloo Region District School Board

  • STWDSTS (Guelph)

  • Peel District School Board (North)

  • York Region District School Board

  • Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (Clarington)

  • Trillium Lakelands District School Board (South Muskoka & North CKL)

For the rest of Southern Ontario, the chance of school bus cancellations is less than 10%.

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures.

It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

Snow Squalls Target the Grey-Bruce and Barrie Area Again With Locally Up to 50-100cm of Snow by Tuesday

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Snow squalls are expected to become well-organized and intensify by Monday morning. One squall off Lake Huron will target southern Grey-Bruce, with periods of intense snowfall throughout the day. Thundersnow is even a possibility in this area.

Another squall will develop off the southeast shoreline of Georgian Bay, impacting parts of southern Simcoe County, including Wasaga Beach, Barrie, Angus, Innisfil, and Keswick.

These squalls will persist into the afternoon, shifting at times. The northern squall could push into Wiarton, extend across Georgian Bay, and come onshore near Barrie. Meanwhile, the southern squall off Lake Huron will stretch from Kincardine to Hanover and could push far inland, periodically bringing heavy snow into parts of the GTA.

By Monday night into Tuesday morning, the Lake Huron squall is expected to stall over southern Grey-Bruce, potentially leading to extreme snowfall accumulation. Wherever this band locks in, snowfall rates could reach an incredible 5-10 cm per hour. Some models suggest this squall could remain in place until Tuesday evening, somewhere between Owen Sound and Hanover.

The Georgian Bay squall may weaken somewhat after midnight but could persist into Tuesday. All snow squall activity should fizzle out by early Wednesday morning.

Projected Snowfall Totals:

  • Localized amounts near 100 cm are possible in Grey-Bruce, with hotspots likely near Port Elgin, Hanover, Chatsworth, and Flesherton. Not everyone in this zone will see these totals, but some areas will get buried.

  • 25 to 50 cm is likely across the rest of Grey and Bruce counties, extending into northern Huron and Perth counties. This also includes areas along the southeastern shoreline of Georgian Bay, such as Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Barrie.

  • 5 to 15 cm could extend into Kitchener, Guelph, Durham, and York as occasional bursts of heavy snow push outside the core snowbelt region.

  • The GTA may see light snow at times but is unlikely to receive more than 5 cm over the next two days.

Aside from the snow, we’re starting the week on a much colder note. If you’re heading outside for Family Day, be sure to bundle up—wind chills in the -20s are expected on Monday.

Stay safe and stay warm!

Strongest Snowstorm in Years to Bury Southern Ontario in Up to 50cm of Snow on Sunday

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Brace yourself, Southern Ontario! One of the biggest snowfalls in recent years is on the horizon for many parts of the region—excluding the usual snowbelt areas. This includes major cities like Toronto, Kingston, and Ottawa, which have largely dodged significant snowstorms over the past few years due to milder winters.

That streak ended earlier this week with the first storm in this parade of systems, dropping a widespread 20 cm or more across Southern Ontario. However, that system could pale in comparison to what’s coming next. This stronger storm is likely to bring 30 cm or more to a large portion of the region throughout Sunday.

As of Saturday afternoon, the first round of snow has already arrived, bringing steady snowfall from Southwestern Ontario into the Golden Horseshoe. This initial wave will be just the beginning, with up to 10 to 15 cm expected by the end of the day.

The second and much more intense round of precipitation will begin early Sunday morning as the system taps into tropical Gulf moisture and directs it straight into the Great Lakes region.

By morning and into the afternoon, conditions will deteriorate rapidly, with snowfall rates reaching 4 to 8 cm per hour. When combined with moderately strong wind gusts, this will lead to widespread blowing snow, significantly reduced visibility, and even localized blizzard conditions.

By the time the snow begins to taper off late Sunday, widespread totals of 30 to 50 cm are expected across Central and Eastern Ontario, extending into the Greater Toronto Area. The hardest-hit areas could even exceed 50 cm, particularly in Eastern Ontario, where elevation may enhance accumulation. Meanwhile, locations along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Windsor, Niagara, and Chatham, may see lower snowfall totals due to potential mixing with freezing rain or ice pellets.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

The first round of snow will continue steadily across Southern Ontario through Saturday evening and past midnight, with heavier snowfall targeting the Golden Horseshoe and the southern portions of Central and Eastern Ontario.

At the same time, the second round of snow will be rapidly developing south of the Great Lakes, forming over Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. This storm will strengthen quickly as it begins pulling in moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, which is also fueling severe thunderstorms across the southern U.S.

While there may be a brief lull overnight, don’t let it fool you—the worst is still ahead. The heaviest snowfall will begin to push into Southwestern Ontario before sunrise, bringing a rapid increase in snowfall rates from 1 to 2 cm per hour earlier in the night to 2 to 4 cm per hour by the early morning.

As the system intensifies, hourly rates of 4 to 6 cm—potentially even higher in the strongest bands—are expected. Road conditions will deteriorate quickly, with significantly reduced visibility and heavy blowing snow making travel extremely hazardous.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Most areas will remain on the snowy side of this system, but there is some uncertainty regarding how far north a warm layer could push. This could lead to a brief period of ice pellets or freezing rain in areas along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Windsor, Leamington, Chatham, St. Thomas, Tillsonburg, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls.

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While significant freezing rain is not expected, some minor ice accretion of a few millimetres could occur, particularly right along the shoreline.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

By early to mid-morning Sunday, the storm’s intensity will peak across Southwestern Ontario and the GTA, with snowfall rates reaching 4 to 6 cm per hour in many areas. In the strongest bands, these rates could climb even higher, creating whiteout conditions.

Wind gusts of 40 to 60 km/h will further reduce visibility, and there is even the possibility of thundersnow as some of these snow bands intensify.

Meanwhile, areas farther north, including regions around Lake Simcoe, Peterborough, and into the Ottawa Valley, will begin to see snowfall intensities climb to 1 to 2 cm per hour, eventually reaching 5 to 10 cm per hour by the early afternoon

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

The later part of Sunday morning after sunrise will see the worst conditions through Southwestern Ontario into the GTA as snowfall rates increase even further towards 4 to 6cm and possibility even higher in the strongest pockets of snow.

This snow will also be accompanied by increasing wind gusts near 40 to 60 km/h leading to blowing snow and blizzard conditions. Don’t be surprised to see some thundersnow during the morning as these bands of snow will be quite strong and could produce some lightning as they move through the region.

Snowfall intensity will also gradually increase through Central and Eastern Ontario with hourly snowfall rates reaching 1-2cm per hour around Lake Simcoe through Peterbough and into the Ottawa Valley.

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

As the system continues to push eastward, the most intense snowfall rates will shift into Central and Eastern Ontario. This is when travel will become nearly impossible in these areas as plows struggle to keep up with the rapid accumulation.

For Southwestern Ontario and the GTA, conditions will begin to improve slightly in the afternoon as the heaviest snow moves east. However, steady snowfall of 1 to 3 cm per hour will continue through much of the afternoon, with strong winds still blowing around earlier accumulations and keeping visibility low.

Snow will gradually taper off across Central and Eastern Ontario by Sunday evening, but blowing snow will remain a significant issue overnight. Travel will remain difficult even after the snowfall ends, particularly in areas with open terrain where drifting will be an issue.

By Monday, conditions should improve, but significantly colder air will move in. If possible, clearing snow on Sunday before temperatures drop is strongly recommended, as the snow will become much heavier to shovel once it settles and freezes.

ESTIMATED WIND GUSTS - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

The strongest wind gusts will be found in Eastern Ontario, peaking during the early to mid-afternoon. Widespread gusts of 50 to 70 km/h are expected, with some areas, particularly around Ottawa and to the east, possibly seeing gusts near 80 km/h.

In comparison, the rest of Southern Ontario, including the Golden Horseshoe, will experience gusts of 40 to 60 km/h, while Southwestern Ontario will likely see gusts under 40 km/h.

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These wind speeds combined with the extreme snowfall rates expected across Eastern Ontario will almost certainly lead to blizzard conditions.

For a storm to meet the official criteria for a blizzard, winds of 40 km/h or greater must cause widespread reductions in visibility to 400 meters or less due to blowing and falling snow for at least four consecutive hours.

Based on current model data, it is highly likely that visibility will remain near zero for at least six hours from late morning to early/mid-afternoon in many parts of Eastern Ontario, surpassing the official blizzard threshold.

While it remains uncertain whether areas such as the GTA, Lake Simcoe, and Muskoka will officially reach blizzard criteria, blowing snow will still cause significant travel disruptions regardless of classification.

Regardless of whether your area officially meets blizzard criteria, this storm will create extremely dangerous travel conditions across much of Southern Ontario throughout Sunday.

Roads will become impassable at times, and even major highways will be difficult to navigate. Plows will struggle to keep up with the rapid accumulation, making travel nearly impossible in the worst-hit areas. If you don’t absolutely need to be on the roads, it is strongly advised to stay home.

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By the time the storm ends, the highest snowfall totals will be found across Central and Eastern Ontario, extending into portions of the GTA, with widespread accumulations ranging from 30 to 50 cm. Some areas, particularly in Eastern Ontario near Ottawa and through higher elevations to the west, could exceed 50 cm.

Regions around Lake Simcoe and the northern GTA will likely end up with 30 to 40 cm, though locally higher amounts are possible in areas such as the Dundalk Highlands. The Hamilton region and western GTA may see slightly lower totals, around 20 to 30 cm, due to the potential for ice pellets mixing in at times.

Southwestern Ontario, particularly along the Lake Huron shoreline, will see slightly less snowfall, with totals ranging from 20 to 30 cm. This includes areas such as Sarnia, London, Goderich, Grey-Bruce, Parry Sound, and North Bay. However, if the system strengthens earlier than expected, some of these locations could still exceed 30 cm.

Meanwhile, the lowest totals will be found along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Windsor, Chatham, and the Niagara region, where snowfall will range from 10 to 20 cm.

Looking ahead, colder temperatures are expected to settle into Southern Ontario by Monday. It would be wise to clear as much snow as possible on Sunday before the deep freeze sets in, as the snow will become significantly harder to move once temperatures drop.

Additionally, this colder air may trigger a resurgence of lake-effect snow early next week, which could lead to further significant snowfall accumulations in the typical snowbelt regions around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. More details on that will come in a separate forecast.

This storm will be a major event, and conditions will be dangerous. If possible, stay home and avoid travel. We will continue to monitor the latest data and provide updates as needed. Stay safe!

Intense Snowstorm Could Bring Blizzard Conditions and Up to 30-60cm of Snow to Southern Ontario This Weekend

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The snowy weather isn’t letting up as yet another winter storm takes aim at Southern Ontario over the Family Day long weekend. This system will arrive in multiple waves, beginning Saturday and continuing through Sunday. By the time it moves out late Sunday, much of Southern Ontario could be buried under as much as 60 cm of snow.

Strong winds will develop throughout Sunday morning into the afternoon, with gusts reaching 50 to 80 km/h in some areas. These powerful winds, combined with heavy snowfall, will create dangerous whiteout conditions and may even reach blizzard criteria. Travel is expected to become difficult as early as Saturday morning, with conditions steadily worsening through the night and into Sunday.

The most hazardous conditions are expected Sunday morning and afternoon, as intense snowfall rates are combined with strong wind gusts, making all non-essential travel extremely dangerous. Highway closures are highly likely in the hardest-hit regions as plows struggle to keep up with rapid snowfall rates, while blowing and drifting snow significantly reduces visibility.

There is still some uncertainty regarding the storm's exact track, which will determine where the heaviest snowfall occurs. Areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and possibly parts of the Golden Horseshoe could see periods of freezing rain or ice pellets by late Sunday morning. While this would create its own hazards, any mixing would also lower overall snowfall totals.

As of now, Eastern and parts of Central Ontario appear to be in line for the highest snowfall amounts. Combined two-day snowfall totals could range from 30 to 60 cm by Sunday night, with 5-10 cm expected on Saturday and an additional 25-50 cm possible on Sunday.

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

The storm will get underway Saturday morning as steady snow moves into Deep Southwestern Ontario from Michigan. It will spread into London and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by late morning. Some light flurries may reach Central and Eastern Ontario, but the more persistent snowfall will remain south of Lake Simcoe.

At this stage, conditions may not seem too severe, leading to the false impression that the storm has been overhyped. However, don’t be fooled—snowfall rates will gradually increase through the afternoon, reaching 1-2 cm per hour and steadily accumulating.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

By mid-afternoon Saturday, light to moderate snowfall will have spread across most of Southern Ontario. The heaviest snowfall will be concentrated over Southwestern Ontario and the GTA, while Central and Eastern Ontario, including the Ottawa Valley, may only see scattered flurries.

There are indications that parts of Deep Southwestern Ontario—including Windsor, Chatham, and possibly London—may see a transition to ice pellets or freezing rain. Meanwhile, Kitchener, Hamilton, and the GTA should remain primarily snow.

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Heading into the evening, the storm’s moisture supply will intensify as it taps into the Gulf of Mexico, keeping snow steady across Southern Ontario. However, Central and Eastern Ontario may experience more scattered snowfall during this time. The most persistent snow bands are expected to set up along the Windsor-London-Hamilton corridor.

Some mixing could still occur near the Lake Erie shoreline, particularly in Leamington and the southern Niagara region, though it remains uncertain how far inland it may extend. If the mixing line pushes north, areas such as Windsor could also see freezing rain.

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By the end of Saturday, snowfall totals are expected to range from 5 to 10 cm across much of Southern Ontario, with locally higher amounts of up to 15 cm in areas benefiting from lake enhancement like Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe.

Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley will see lower totals, between 2 and 5 cm, as the first wave of snow stays focused farther south.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Conditions will deteriorate rapidly overnight Saturday as even more moisture-laden precipitation moves in from Michigan. Snowfall rates will increase during the pre-dawn hours, starting in the southwest around midnight before progressing east and north through the morning.

There remains some disagreement among forecast models regarding the extent of mixing along the Lake Erie shoreline, but there is a possibility of significant ice accretion in parts of Windsor and the Niagara region.

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

By late Sunday morning, the system is expected to intensify rapidly as the low-pressure center tracks south of the Great Lakes. This intensification will result in significantly higher snowfall rates, especially in the GTA, Niagara region, and Central Ontario, including Barrie, Muskoka, and Peterborough.

Snowfall rates could reach 5-10 cm per hour, making it impossible for road crews to keep up. Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley will see steady snow increase throughout Sunday afternoon and into the early evening.

ESTIMATED WIND GUSTS - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Adding to the severity of the storm, strong wind gusts of 50-80 km/h will develop through Sunday morning, with the highest gusts expected in Central and Eastern Ontario. These winds, combined with intense snowfall rates, will almost certainly lead to blizzard conditions in some areas.

Visibility will be near zero, with blowing and drifting snow making travel dangerous. All non-essential travel should be avoided on Sunday morning and afternoon, as highway closures are likely in the hardest-hit regions. With snow falling at rates of 5-10 cm per hour, it will be extremely easy to become stranded, as plows will struggle to keep roads passable.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Despite being less than 48 hours away, there is still some uncertainty in the storm's track and timing. Different forecast models continue to show varying scenarios, which could impact snowfall totals and the extent of mixing.

The short-range American model (HRRR), which provides detailed hourly forecasts, aligns closely with the Canadian and European models. These models suggest a more southern track, keeping the GTA and much of Southern Ontario primarily in the snow zone.

However, another American model (NAM) suggests a more northern track with a later arrival. If this scenario plays out, the mixing line would shift farther north, bringing ice pellets or freezing rain from London to Hamilton and into the GTA. This would reduce snowfall totals in these areas but create hazardous icy conditions.

This model also suggests the mixing could extend along the Lake Ontario shoreline into parts of Southeastern Ontario, including Belleville, Kingston, and Brockville. While this scenario is less likely, it’s still worth monitoring.

Additionally, the NAM model points to a significant icing event for Hamilton and the Niagara region, with potential ice accretion of 10-15 mm. If this happens, localized power outages and tree damage could occur.

The model also suggests that while some forecasts indicate the heaviest snow will arrive early Sunday, this scenario shifts the worst conditions to the afternoon in Southwestern Ontario and the GTA, extending into the evening for Eastern Ontario.

Regardless of the final track, conditions should improve as snow tapers off from west to east late Sunday evening, with lingering snow in Eastern Ontario into early Monday morning. However, lake-effect snow could quickly develop around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay as the system exits.

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By the time this storm is over, a wide swath of Eastern and Central Ontario could see 30-60 cm of fresh snow, including the accumulation from both Saturday and Sunday.

For Southwestern Ontario and the GTA—including Sarnia, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, and Toronto—snowfall totals will likely range from 20-40 cm. However, if mixing occurs on Sunday, snowfall amounts could drop to 15-30 cm or even lower, depending on how extensive the ice pellets or freezing rain become.

The lowest snowfall totals will likely be in Deep Southwestern Ontario and along the Lake Erie shoreline, where freezing rain and ice pellets will reduce overall accumulation. Areas such as Windsor, Leamington, Chatham, St. Thomas, and Niagara Falls could see between 15-30 cm of snow, depending on how much mixing occurs.

We are closely monitoring the latest forecast data and will provide a more detailed breakdown of Sunday’s snowfall totals in an updated forecast on Saturday. Stay tuned for further updates.

Southern Ontario: School Bus Cancellations for Friday, February 14, 2025

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Cancellation & Closure Map (English Public and Catholic Schools)

Please note: School board boundaries are a rough estimate. Don’t use this map to determine what school board or weather zone you live in as accuracy isn’t guaranteed.

  • Green = No Cancellations

  • Red = Cancellations (Click for More Details)

  • Purple = School Closures (Click for More Details)

List of Cancellations & Closures

English Public and Catholic Schools

  • Avon MaitIand Public & Huron-Perth CathoIic: There are several cancellations, please visit this link for more details: https://geoquery.hpsts.ca/Alerts

  • BIuewater Public & Bruce-Grey Catholic: There are multiple cancellations, please visit this link for more details: https://www.mybrucegreyschoolbus.ca/Cancellations.aspx

  • Simcoe County Public & Simcoe Catholic: Busses are cancelled in all zones.

  • Trillium Lakelands: Busses are cancelled for Zones 4 & 5.

  • Upper Grand Public & Wellington CathoIic: Busses are cancelled in North Wellington (Division 3) and Dufferin County & Robert F. Hall (Division 4).

French Schools

  • Conseil catholique MonAvenir: Disruption to school transport and/or the opening of certain schools in the following region: Simcoe

  • Conseil scolaire catholique Providence: Busses are cancelled for the Region of Bruce-Grey and Huron Perth of Middlesex Region

  • Conseil scolaire Viamonde: Busses are cancelled for the Region of Simcoe.

'Snow Day' Forecast: Bus Cancellations Possible on Friday in Southwestern & Central Ontario

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For an updated list of school bus cancellations & school closures, please visit our live article: https://instantweatherinc.com/article/2025/2/14/bus-cancellations

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Snow squalls are expected to intensify late Thursday and continue into Friday, bringing hazardous winter conditions to areas near Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. These squalls will be capable of producing whiteout conditions with near-zero visibility, making travel extremely dangerous. In addition, snowfall accumulation could be rapid, leading to difficult and potentially impassable road conditions.

Environment Canada has issued snow squall warnings for several regions, highlighting the potential for snowfall totals between 20 and 40 cm by Friday afternoon. Given the expected intensity of these squalls, morning road conditions could be treacherous. As a result, school bus cancellations are highly likely in the hardest-hit areas.

The Bruce Peninsula and northern Simcoe County are at the highest risk for bus cancellations, as these areas are expected to experience the most persistent and intense snowfall overnight. Surrounding regions will also need to keep a close eye on conditions, as the likelihood of cancellations will depend on how strong the squalls become and whether significant snowfall accumulates before the morning commute.

Please note: We are aware that some school boards have a PA day on Friday. If your school board is affected, you can disregard this forecast. However, we continue to provide these updates regardless of PA days, as not all school boards follow the same schedule.

Here is a breakdown of the likelihood of school bus cancellations by region:

Almost Certain (90–99% Chance)

  • Bluewater District School Board (Bruce Peninsula)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (North Zone)

Likely (75–90% Chance)

  • Bluewater District School Board (Southampton, Owen Sound & Meaford)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (West Zone)

Possible (50–75% Chance)

  • Avon Maitland District School Board (Goderich)

  • Bluewater District School Board (Kincardine & Hanover)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (Central Zone)

  • Trillium Lakelands District School Board (North CKL)

Maybe (25–50% Chance)

  • Avon Maitland District School Board (Listowel)

  • STWDSTS (Dufferin)

  • Simcoe County District School Board (South Zone)

  • Trillium Lakelands District School Board (South Muskoka & South CKL)

Unlikely (10–25% Chance)

  • Avon Maitland District School Board (Exeter)

  • STWDSTS (Wellington)

  • Durham District School Board (North)

  • Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (Peterborough)

  • Trillium Lakelands District School Board (North Muskoka)

  • Near North District School Board (Town of Parry Sound)

For the rest of Southern Ontario, the chance of school bus cancellations is less than 10%.

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures.

It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

Will It Ever End? Squalls Could Bring Up to Another 40cm of Snow by the End of Friday to Parts of Southern Ontario

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Are you enjoying winter yet, Ontario? ❄️ It feels like we've been stuck in an endless cycle of snow, with relentless snow squalls hammering the snowbelt regions.

Even outside the snowbelts, much of Southern Ontario joined in this week as a major winter storm dumped over 20 cm of snow across the region overnight into Thursday morning.

And the snowy pattern isn’t letting up anytime soon. More lake effect snow is on the way to end the week, followed by a potentially significant snowstorm this weekend.

The lake effect machine is expected to fire back up Thursday evening, becoming more organized overnight into Friday morning. Current indications suggest a strong snow squall will develop, targeting the Bruce Peninsula and stretching into parts of Simcoe County.

While squall activity should begin to wind down by Friday afternoon, areas that have already been hit hard this season—such as Orillia, Midland, Wiarton, Lion’s Head, and Tobermory—could see another 15 to 25 cm of snow. If the squall locks into place for an extended period, localized totals of up to 40 cm are possible.

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

As of early Thursday evening, bands of lake effect snow are already forming off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. These will continue to shift around throughout the evening, delivering bursts of heavy snowfall to different areas.

Right now, it looks like the heaviest snowfall will be concentrated across the Bruce Peninsula and along the southeastern Georgian Bay shoreline, including Collingwood, Barrie, Angus, and Keswick. Additional, weaker bands may impact regions east of Lake Huron, from Owen Sound to Goderich.

By midnight, models suggest that a narrow but intense squall could set up, stretching from the Bruce Peninsula, over Georgian Bay, and into Barrie. However, there’s still uncertainty about its exact strength and how stationary it will be overnight. Some models show it drifting north toward Midland and Orillia, while others keep it in place longer.

If the squall aligns just right, it could connect with both Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, allowing it to tap into additional moisture. This could make it stronger than expected, potentially bringing more snow to Barrie than initially forecasted. Right now, Barrie sits right on the edge between significant snowfall and minimal accumulation.

HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

By Friday morning, the squall will likely continue hammering the Bruce Peninsula and Simcoe County but may have shifted slightly north, putting Tobermory, Midland, and Orillia in the bullseye for heavy snow during the late morning.

Depending on its strength, the squall could even extend into portions of Durham and the Kawartha Lakes at times. This squall may remain stationary for several hours, with snowfall rates reaching 5-10 cm per hour.

It won’t take long for roads to become impassable, especially along the Highway 400 and Highway 11 corridors. Plows will struggle to keep up with such intense snowfall rates, and whiteout conditions will make travel extremely dangerous. If you can, stay home—this is the kind of snow that can lead to major travel disruptions and accidents.

By early Friday afternoon, the squall should gradually weaken as winds shift and become less favourable for lake effect snow.

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As with any lake effect event, snowfall totals will be highly variable, depending on where these narrow snow bands set up.

The hardest-hit areas are expected to be across the Bruce Peninsula, including Tobermory, Lion’s Head, and Wiarton, extending into Simcoe County in areas like Midland, Washago, and Orillia. These regions could see 15 to 25 cm, with localized totals near 40 cm possible in central Simcoe County, closer to Georgian Bay.

Surrounding areas—including Grey-Bruce, Huron, and Perth counties east of Lake Huron—could see 5 to 15 cm, though some spots may see little to no snow due to how localized these bands are. Southern Muskoka, portions of Kawartha Lakes, and Durham Region may also receive up to 5 to 10 cm in some areas.

The rest of Southern Ontario should see less than 5 cm of snow over the next 24 hours, as the lake effect snow stays confined to the snowbelt regions.

While the lake effect snow wraps up Friday, a much bigger storm could be on the way this weekend. A potential multi-day snowfall event is on track to begin Saturday, and continue into Sunday.

Right now, there’s still uncertainty regarding snowfall totals and the exact timing of the worst conditions, but early indications suggest that much of Southern Ontario—particularly Eastern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe—could see 20-30 cm or more by the end of the weekend.

We’re waiting on the latest model data this evening and will have a preliminary forecast on this potential snowstorm later today or early Friday. Stay tuned!

Southern Ontario: School Bus Cancellations & School Closures for Thursday, February 13, 2025

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**Please refresh your page every few minutes to receive the latest update**

Cancellation & Closure Map (English Public and Catholic Schools)

Please note: School board boundaries are a rough estimate. Don’t use this map to determine what school board or weather zone you live in as accuracy isn’t guaranteed.

  • Green = No Cancellations

  • Red = Cancellations (Click for More Details)

  • Purple = School Closures (Click for More Details)

List of Cancellations & Closures

English Public and Catholic Schools

  • Avon MaitIand Public & Huron-Perth CathoIic: There are several cancellations and closures, please visit this link for more details: https://geoquery.hpsts.ca/Alerts

  • BIuewater Public & Bruce-Grey Catholic: All busses are cancelled.

  • Dufferin-PeeI Catholic: Busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Durham Public & Durham Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Grand Erie Public & Brant HaIdimand Norfolk Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Greater Essex Public & Windsor Essex CathoIic: All busses are cancelled for the City of Windsor (Area A) and the County of Essex (Area B).

  • HaIton Public & Halton Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • HamiIton Wentworth Public & Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Kawartha Pine Ridge Public & Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Lambton Kent Public & St. CIair Catholic: All busses are cancelled.

  • Near North Public & Nipissing-Parry Sound CathoIic: All bussed are cancelled.

  • Niagara Public & Niagara Catholic: All busses are cancelled.

  • Ottawa CarIeton Public & Ottawa Catholic: All school bus/van transportation is cancelled.

  • PeeI Public: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Rainbow Public & Sudbury Catholic: All busses are cancelled this morning. Busses will run this afternoon for students attending school.

  • Renfrew County Public & Renfrew County Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Simcoe County Public & Simcoe Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Thames Valley Public & London CathoIic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Toronto Public & Toronto Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Tri-Board: All busses are cancelled.

  • Trillium Lakelands: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Upper Canada Public & Eastern Ontario CathoIic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Upper Grand Public & Wellington CathoIic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • WaterIoo Public & WaterIoo Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • York Public & York Catholic: All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

French Schools

  • Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO): All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud: All busses are cancelled and some schools are closed. Please visit this link for more details: https://cscmonavenir.ca/ecole/

  • Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l'Est Ontarien (CSDCEO): All busses are cancelled and schools are closed.

  • Conseil des écoles catholiques de langue française du Centre-Est: School transportation is cancelled today for the following areas: Arnprior, Brockville, Carleton Place, Almonte, Renfrew County (schools in Pembroke), United Counties of Prescott-Russell, Kingston, Marionville, Merrickville and Kemptville, Ottawa, and Trenton

  • Conseil scolaire catholique Providence: All busses are cancelled.

  • Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO): All busses are cancelled.

  • Conseil scolaire Viamonde: All busses are cancelled and some schools are closed. Please visit this link for more details: https://infobus.francobus.ca/cancellations.aspx

  • Le Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (CSPNE) & Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord: All busses are cancelled.

'Snow Day' Forecast: Widespread Bus Cancellations & School Closures Likely on Thursday as Winter Storm Bears Down on Southern Ontario

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For an updated list of school bus cancellations & school closures, please visit our live article:

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

A significant winter storm is set to impact Southern Ontario beginning Wednesday afternoon, lasting through the night, and continuing into Thursday morning.

Environment Canada has issued widespread winter storm warnings, snowfall warnings, and freezing rain warnings across the region, signalling the potential for hazardous conditions.

With snowfall totals expected to range between 20 and 40 cm by Thursday morning across Southwestern, Central, and Eastern Ontario, road conditions will likely be extremely treacherous.

Snowfall rates could exceed 5 cm per hour at times, making it difficult for snowplows to keep up. Even though the most intense conditions will occur Wednesday evening into the early overnight hours, the aftermath will still pose significant challenges for travel.

Given the severity of this storm, there is a very high likelihood that school buses will be cancelled across most of Southern Ontario. In fact, the probability of widespread bus cancellations across Southwestern, Central, and Eastern Ontario is over 90%.

School closures are also a strong possibility, particularly with Environment Canada's warnings emphasizing the dangers of travel on Thursday morning. Some school boards may even choose to announce cancellations proactively tonight. We will update this article if any school boards confirm closures in advance.

In the Golden Horseshoe and Niagara region, school boards tend to be more cautious when it comes to bus cancellations and school closures, as urban areas typically have better snow-clearing operations. However, there is also a chance of mixed precipitation in these regions, which could lower snowfall totals to around 10-20 cm.

This uncertainty makes cancellations less of a guarantee compared to other parts of the province. As a result, we’ve placed the likelihood of school bus cancellations at around 75% for Halton (South), Peel (South), York, Durham (South), and KPR (Clarington).

Meanwhile, for Toronto, Hamilton, and Niagara, it’s a 50/50 call and could go either way depending on how the storm unfolds overnight.

Deep Southwestern Ontario, including Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, and London, also has a slightly lower probability of bus cancellations, sitting at around 75%. The system is expected to taper off earlier in these regions, and some areas could transition to rain by morning.

If that happens, conditions might improve enough for buses to operate. However, given the ongoing warnings from Environment Canada, school boards in these areas may still err on the side of caution and cancel transportation regardless.

Stay tuned for updates as the storm progresses, and check back for confirmation from school boards on closures and cancellations tonight and Thursday morning.

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures.

It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.