Midwestern Ontarians awoke to ice and snow as a winter reprieve came to an end.
Rain that fell across the region froze as the temperature rapidly dropped back below freezing Thursday morning. Snow also began to fall with 5 to 15 centimetres expected throughout the day. In addition to the snowfall, widespread blowing snow will be an issue as northwesterly winds gust up to 70 kilometres an hour.
Environment Canada has a blowing snow advisory in effect. It warns the strong winds will kick-up the fresh snow, reducing visibility on the roads to near zero at times, particularly over exposed areas. A flash freeze warning that had been in place was ended around 10:30 a.m.
People venturing out should expect roads, walkways, and parking lots to be slippery.
"Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions," Environment Canada said. "If travelling, be prepared for areas of near-zero visibility. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve."
School buses in Huron-Perth, Grey-Bruce, and north Wellington are cancelled for the day and some schools are closed.
Highway 21 between Goderich and Southampton is closed due to the poor road conditions. Bruce County, Grey County, and the Town of Saugeen Shores have declared a significant weather event. The declaration means it may take longer than usual to bring the condition of the roads back to a state of repair.
"Some communities are experiencing whiteout conditions and extremely icy roads," Sergeant Ed Sanchuk said in a video posted to social media. "Please make sure you're making your safety a priority each and every time you get behind the wheel - reduce your speed, drive according to the road and weather conditions because when you see ice think twice and when you see snow go slow."
Sanchuk said that as of 8 a.m. West Region OPP had already been called to 14 collisions, including one involving multiple vehicles on Bruce Road 10 between Chesley and Tara in South Bruce. No serious injuries have been reported.
Environment Canada forecasts conditions to improve Thursday evening. However, lake effect snow squalls could be an issue for some areas Friday morning.
