Durham Weather Advisory has been issued for Durham Region and southern Ontario as a powerful winter system continues to impact local communities on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Following earlier freezing rain and ice pellets in the morning, heavy snow and whiteout conditions are now blanketing the region, creating hazardous travel conditions and prompting warnings from Environment Canada and Durham Regional Police.
Environment Canada forecasters say the snow will persist throughout the day, occasionally mixing with ice pellets to produce icy, slippery roads and dangerously low visibility. The mix of precipitation and rising snow accumulations — expected to total between 10 and 15 centimetres — is likely to make travel difficult, particularly during the afternoon and evening rush hour. Drivers are strongly advised to prepare for significant delays and limited sightlines due to blowing snow.
“These extreme weather conditions will result in low visibility and slippery, icy roadways which can lead to collisions,” officers from the Durham Regional Police Service cautioned in a public safety message. The advice from police emphasizes that non‑essential travel should be postponed until conditions improve and road crews have had time to treat and clear major routes.
The advisory affects Durham communities including Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Whitby, and more rural areas such as Uxbridge and Brock, which are also prone to heavier snow banding and drifting. Meteorologists say that even after the snow tapers off, wind gusts and residual ice on untreated roads could continue to make driving treacherous well into the evening.
In addition to road hazards, Environment Canada cautions that whiteout conditions — periods where snowfall and wind reduce visibility to near zero — are possible in localized areas, particularly in heavier bands of snow moving through the region. These conditions can hamper not only commuting vehicles but also emergency responders and municipal snow‑clearing operations.
Local authorities have stepped up efforts to keep essential routes plowed and treated, with crews working continuously as the storm progresses. Road maintenance teams focus first on highways and major arterials, then secondary roads, but officials note that conditions can deteriorate rapidly, especially where snow mixes with freezing rain or sleet. Drivers are urged to keep headlights on, slow speed, and maintain greater distance between vehicles.
Schools and businesses have been monitoring the situation closely, with many advising residents to adjust plans as needed. Although most public transit options continue to operate, commuters should check for service updates and expect potential delays.
This advisory serves as a reminder that winter travel in southern Ontario can shift quickly from manageable to dangerous, particularly during peak travel times. With more snow and unstable conditions forecast, Durham residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, monitor weather updates, and avoid unnecessary travel during the most challenging stretches of the storm.
