A significant winter storm swept through Southern Ontario late Wednesday and continuing through Thursday, leaving more than 15 centimeters of snow along with ice pellets and freezing rain. The storm has led to the issuance of several weather advisories, school closures, and travel warnings impacting daily life across the region.
Environment Canada lifted winter storm and snowfall warnings Thursday morning as the powerful system moved on, but its aftermath has left lasting effects. School buses were canceled throughout Huron-Perth and Grey-Bruce, and all schools operated by the Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board were closed. Law enforcement, including the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), received numerous reports of vehicle accidents and spin-outs on the icy roads. “We’re asking everyone to please take your foot off the gas pedal. Drive according to the road and weather conditions, turn your vehicle's entire head-lighting system on and just take your time,” OPP Sergeant Ed Sanchuk urged via social media post. He also recommended clearing snow and ice off vehicles before venturing out onto the roads.
The snow removal crews are out across the region, battling the aftermath of the storm. Unfortunately, the strong northwesterly winds, gusting up to 60 kilometers per hour, have added to the challenge, causing blowing snow and poor visibility. A blowing snow advisory has since been issued, affecting areas including Bruce County, Grey County, Saugeen Shores, and Georgian Bluffs. The declaration of significant weather events helps notify the public of the expected delays for road repairs and clearance efforts.
While the storm is moving out, warnings of snow squalls were issued, indicating areas off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay may experience more adverse weather conditions throughout the rest of Thursday. According to Environment Canada, these squalls could lead to additional accumulations of 10 to 20 centimeters of snow, with some areas reporting up to 40 centimeters due to peak snowfall rates of 2 to 3 centimeters per hour. Residents are cautioned as these squalls could lead to drastically changing conditions, with clear roads potentially becoming hazardous within just short distances.
“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” stated the advisory from Environment Canada. They recommended residents postpone any non-essential travel until conditions improved. If travel is necessary, individuals should inform others of their travel schedule and keep an emergency kit and mobile phone on hand, especially since visibility could plummet unexpectedly.
Farther south, areas like Windsor, Chatham, and Sarnia experienced cancellations of school buses and transportation services as the wintry weather held fast. Environment Canada indicated periods of freezing drizzle could affect travel as post-storm conditions remained challenging.
Simultaneously, snow squall watches have been issued for regions including Mount Forest, Arthur, and Northern Wellington County. Snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 centimeters are expected, along with poor visibility during heavy snowfall. Winds were set to persist throughout Thursday evening, but were projected to weaken Friday morning, allowing some reprieve from the harsh conditions.
Looking at Northern Durham, authorities had also issued snow squall watches and advised against non-essential travel due to deteriorated road conditions. Weather conditions were expected to worsen as the winds blew in, causing snow drifts and near-zero visibility for drivers. Alongside these alerts, the blowing snow advisory is still firmly upheld as residents navigate the aftermath of the considerable snow fall.
For those planning to travel during such conditions, safety should be a priority. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed, keep their headlights on, and maintain safe distances from other vehicles when conditions worsen. If visibility drops significantly, Sanchuk stresses the importance of slowing down and being prepared for sudden stops. Drivers are urged to remain cautious and watch for potentially dangerous conditions, making precautions necessary during trips.
With strong winds and accumulating snow posing continued challenges, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. For the latest updates on weather conditions and additional advice, residents are encouraged to visit the Environment Canada website and utilize credible resources for travel advisories to keep their journeys safe and informed.