Ontario (ON) Winter Storm, Road & Freeze Guide
Official winter emergency numbers, live road conditions, warming shelters, and home freeze protection for Ontario (including Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, London).
If you only do three things in Ontario
- Emergency & Warming Centers: Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies, or dial 211 (211.ca for provincial warming shelters and winter aid) to find open warming shelters.
- Check Roads Before Driving: Check Ontario 511 (or dial 511) for live ice, snowplow, and road closure updates.
- Protect Home Plumbing: Check basement rim joists and exterior-wall kitchen sinks during sub-zero polar vortex events, and clear roof edges with a roof rake to prevent ice dams.
Official Ontario Winter Links & Numbers
- Life-Safety Emergency: 911
- Warming Shelters & Aid: 211 (211.ca for provincial warming shelters and winter aid)
- Official Winter Road Conditions: Ontario 511 (Phone: 511)
- Official Weather Warnings: Environment and Climate Change Canada
What to expect in Ontario
Sub-zero wind chills, lake-effect snow squalls that drop visibility to zero in minutes, and heavy wet spring/fall snowstorms.
Home & pipe freeze rules for Ontario
Check basement rim joists and exterior-wall kitchen sinks during sub-zero polar vortex events, and clear roof edges with a roof rake to prevent ice dams.
See our full step-by-step guide: Protecting your home and pipes from freezing →
Driving, black ice, and tire rules in Ontario
Give snowplows plenty of room, watch for black ice at intersections polished by spinning tires, and keep your gas tank at least half full.
See our emergency car guides: What to do when your car is stuck in snow and recovering from black ice .
Essential situational guides
- Never seen snow before? First-Timer Playbook
- 48-hour winter storm countdown checklist
- Staying warm when the power goes out
- Home & Car winter emergency supply checklist