Toronto’s worst single-day snowfall

Photo: City of Toronto archives

Environment and Climate Change Canada – On December 11, 1944, a severe winter storm dumped 48 cm of snow on Toronto’s downtown, while gale-force winds piled the snow into huge drifts. A total of 57.2 cm fell over two days. In all, 21 people died – 13 of which from overexertion.

Funerals were postponed, expectant mothers walked to hospitals, and there were no home deliveries of milk, ice or fuel. Of major concern, factories producing war munitions had to close temporarily.