A winter storm is poised to unleash heavy snowfall on Waterloo region and Guelph, prompting local authorities to advise commuters to exercise caution. Strong winds and flurries forced the closure of schools in North Wellington and the cancellation of some school buses on Thursday morning. The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) recommended that students and teachers in North Wellington transition to remote learning due to school closures caused by inclement weather.
While schools in Guelph, Puslinch, Erin, and Rockwood remain open, all school taxis and buses in Centre Wellington, Erin, Rockwood, North Wellington, and Dufferin County are not operational. Conversely, buses in Guelph South Wellington and Puslinch are in service. Schools are operational in the Waterloo region, with buses running except for Francobus routes, which are suspended.
Environment Canada issued a snow squall watch for heavy snowfall expected to persist from Thursday until Saturday, with the potential for up to 30 cm of snow accumulation. This weather system spans from Windsor to Kingston and is projected to bring snow and high winds to the region. Meteorologist Jim Prime cautioned that areas near Goderich, Minto, and Hanover could experience snowfall ranging from 30 to 60 cm, with localized higher amounts.
The snow squalls are anticipated to shift during Thursday before intensifying in the evening. Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 70 or 80 km/h, are forecasted for southwestern Ontario throughout Thursday. The weather event is expected to linger for several days, potentially extending into early Saturday.
The Region of Waterloo is collaborating with individuals with lived experience to prepare for the cold and snowy weather, expanding emergency shelter systems, establishing overflow spaces in shelters and motels, distributing winter warming packages, and opening overnight warming spaces in Kitchener and Cambridge. Outreach workers will distribute winter warming packages to support individuals experiencing homelessness and provide connections to necessary resources. Additionally, various locations across the region offer warm spaces during the day.
For drivers commuting out of the city, adapting driving practices and preparing for adverse conditions are essential. CAA South Central Ontario’s external communications manager, Nadia Matos, advises drivers to have winter tires installed, check their battery’s health, and pack an emergency kit containing essentials like a blanket, shovel, tea lights, waterproof matches, flashlight, non-perishable food, and water. Matos stresses the importance of carrying a cell phone charger and being aware of travel conditions before embarking on journeys.
Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder from Environment and Climate Change Canada highlights the need for extra precautions while traveling due to visibility issues caused by the storm. He advises maintaining safe distances, allowing extra travel time, and being cautious while navigating roads affected by the winter weather from Thursday through Friday.