Snowfall warning: Schools closed, commutes disrupted in Waterloo region and beyond
A snowy day in Waterloo region and beyond
Get ready for a whiteout! Heavy snowfall is expected to blanket the Waterloo region, Guelph, and Wellington County on Thursday, bringing with it a host of travel disruptions and school closures. But here's where it gets controversial: While some may see this as a day to hunker down, others might view it as an opportunity for a winter wonderland adventure. So, what's the real deal? Let's dive in.
Snowfall warning: What to expect
The weather forecast predicts up to 30 cm of snow, with the precipitation continuing through Thursday afternoon and tapering off in the evening. This is no ordinary snowstorm; it's a low-pressure system that will bring significant snowfall to southern Ontario. And it's not just the snow; very cold wind chills will add to the adverse weather conditions, making it feel like -25 C at times. So, bundle up and prepare for a cold, snowy day.
School closures and travel disruptions
The heavy snowfall has led to school closures across the region. All schools in Waterloo region, Guelph, and Wellington County are closed on Thursday, including St. Louis online, daytime, and evening classes. Even community use programs and extended day childcare programs are affected. In Brant County, schools under the Grand Erie District School Board and the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic School Board are also closed. The closures extend to schools in the Avon Maitland and Huron-Perth Catholic district school boards as well.
Travel disruptions are also expected. Grand River Transit has declared a severe weather event and has closed or detoured several stops. Buses will continue to run, but delays are expected on multiple routes. Commuters are advised to give themselves extra time and avoid non-essential travel. Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt advises motorists to hold off on driving until the weather improves and snow can be cleared.
Cold snap: Brrrr!
It's not just the snow that's making headlines; it's also going to be cold. Temperatures are not expected to go above -11 C on Thursday, and the wind chill will make it feel like -25 C at times. This is one of the coldest days in the Waterloo region so far this year, and the cold snap is expected to continue into Friday and the weekend. But don't worry; more seasonal temperatures are on the way starting on Monday.
Snow event in Cambridge: Parking ban
Cambridge has already declared a snow event, with a ban on on-street parking starting at 7 a.m. on Thursday. Vehicles left on the street could be ticketed or towed. The city has also reminded people to clear sidewalks 36 hours after snowfall has ended and not to shovel snow onto the road.
Stay informed
For the latest updates on weather and traffic, tune in to CBC K-W's The Morning Edition on your smart speaker, the CBC Listen page, or using the CBC Listen app from 5:57 a.m. to 8:37 a.m. on Thursday. And don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. Do you agree with the school closures and travel disruptions? Or do you see this as an opportunity for a winter wonderland adventure? Let's hear your thoughts!
