A powerful snowstorm wreaked havoc across parts of Ontario, particularly affecting the town of Gravenhurst, located in the picturesque Muskoka region. After nearly 140 centimetres of snowfall, local officials declared a state of emergency as roadways filled with vehicles became impassable and emergency services were limited. This natural calamity took many residents and authorities by surprise, with some noting it was the most significant snowfall they had experienced over such a short period.
The storm's impact was particularly felt on Highway 11, a major north-south artery within the region. By early Sunday, the Ontario Provincial Police confirmed the highway was closed between Huntsville and Orillia due to multiple accidents compounded by the heavy snow accumulation. The conditions forced many drivers to stay put inside their vehicles for extended periods, leading to distressing reports of individuals stuck for upwards of seven hours.
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided insight, stating, "It was a perfect disaster." With desperate calls for help pouring in, emergency services scrambled to assist. First responders, equipped with snowmobiles, traversed hazardous roads to help pull stranded motorists to safety. A shelter was established at the Gravenhurst Town Hall, where residents received food and entertainment amid the electricity outages. This building itself was powered by generators to accommodate those seeking refuge.
Premier Doug Ford also addressed the plight of residents, assuring them of government support. "Provincial resources are on hand and more are en route to help where needed. I’m relieved there are no injuries or fatalities reported," Ford wrote on social media. Paramedics were mobilized to check on vulnerable populations, compelling the message urging residents to stay indoors until safety could be restored.
By Sunday morning, Hydro One reported widespread power outages, affecting over 60,000 customers at the storm’s peak, with numbers gradually beginning to decline as power crews worked diligently to restore connectivity. Residents expressed both concern and resilience, referring to the community spirit reminiscent of the well-known musical, Come from Away, where people came together during crises.
Weather experts warned of the potential for successive snow squalls to move south, indicating no immediate end to the harsh winter conditions. The shifting winds threatened new accumulations particularly across the Bruce Peninsula and near London, where advisories prompted caution among travelers. Streets around cities such as Sault Ste. Marie and Bracebridge were buried under heavy snow, adding to the mounting challenges faced by city crews.
It was not just the major routes like Highway 11 being affected by the storm; side roads presented additional danger. Authorities reiterated the advice for individuals, stressing the importance of remaining with their vehicles if stranded and avoiding the hazards of wandering out alone, where they could be disoriented or injured.
Efforts to remove snow were just beginning to gain traction later on Sunday, as skies cleared somewhat over the storm-ridden areas. Residents and local officials remained hopeful though cautious, eagerly awaiting the return of normalcy. Amid challenging conditions, the human resilience and solidarity of the Muskoka community shone through as people came together to help one another through the unprecedented storm.
Environment Canada’s forecasts indicated more snow was possible, with estimates of up to 30 centimetres expected to fall within the week. Conditions remained unpredictable, with potential advisories for other regions of Southwestern Ontario also anticipated.