Toronto, Jan. 26 -- A powerful blizzard is battering southern Ontario and the Maritimes today, blanketing the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with up to 50 cm of snow and prompting urgent stay-home advisories.

Heavy snowfall combined with fierce winds has crippled travel, caused widespread power outages, and left thousands without electricity amid piercing cold snaps.

Environment Canada warned of near-zero visibility and whiteout conditions, with accumulations potentially reaching 50 cm by Tuesday.

The Maritimes face a long-duration snowstorm, with 25-40 cm expected over 36 hours in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, accompanied by blowing snow and gusts up to 70 km/h.

Quebec, Ottawa, and the Prairie provinces report 15-30 cm alongside wind ch...