Key Takeaways:
- A winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to Waterloo region and Guelph, with up to 30 cm of snow possible and strong winds gusting up to 70 or 80 km/h.
- Schools in North Wellington are closed due to the weather, while schools in Guelph, Puslinch, Erin, and Rockwood are open.
- Commuters are advised to stay safe and take extra precautions when traveling, including checking road conditions and leaving extra time to reach their destinations.
- The Region of Waterloo is working to support people experiencing homelessness, including providing winter warming packages and overnight warming spaces.
- Drivers are advised to prepare their vehicles for winter driving, including getting winter tires, checking battery health, and packing an emergency kit.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to Waterloo region and Guelph, with local authorities warning commuters to stay safe. The storm is part of a larger system that will bring snow and high winds to the area stretching from Windsor to Kingston. Environment Canada has issued a snow squall watch, with up to 30 cm of snow possible and strong winds gusting up to 70 or 80 km/h. The storm is expected to last for several days, with snow squalls shifting throughout the day on Thursday before locking in place Thursday night.
School Closures and Bus Cancellations
The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) has announced that schools in North Wellington are closed due to the weather, while schools in Guelph, Puslinch, Erin, and Rockwood are open. Students and teachers in North Wellington are advised to shift to remote learning where possible. School buses in Centre Wellington, Erin, Rockwood, North Wellington, and Dufferin County have been cancelled, while buses in Guelph, South Wellington, and Puslinch are operating. In the Waterloo region, schools are open and buses are running, except for Francobus routes which have been cancelled.
Weather Forecast and Travel Conditions
Environment Canada meteorologist Jim Prime warns that some areas around Goderich, Minto, and Hanover can expect up to 60 cm of snow, with strong winds and low visibility making travel conditions hazardous. The storm is expected to last for several days, with snow squalls and strong winds continuing into Friday and possibly Saturday. Commuters are advised to check road conditions and travel advisories before leaving their homes and to take extra precautions when traveling, including leaving extra time to reach their destinations and keeping safe distances from other vehicles.
Support for People Experiencing Homelessness
The Region of Waterloo is working to support people experiencing homelessness, including providing winter warming packages and overnight warming spaces. The region has also expanded its emergency shelter system and created new overflow spaces in shelters and motels across the community. Outreach workers will distribute winter warming packages, which include items such as blankets, gloves, and hats, and connect people to other supports they may need. There are also several daytime warming spaces available throughout the region, including in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich.
Winter Safety Tips for Drivers
Commuters making the daily drive out of the city are advised to prepare their vehicles for winter driving and take extra precautions when traveling. CAA South Central Ontario manager of external communications Nadia Matos recommends getting winter tires, checking battery health, and packing an emergency kit. The emergency kit should include items such as a collapsible shovel, blanket, flashlight, and non-perishable food items. Drivers should also pack a cell phone charger and consider the route they will be taking, including any potential hazards or road closures. Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder advises people to be aware of travel conditions before leaving their homes and to take extra precautions when traveling, including keeping safe distances and leaving extra time to reach their destinations.
