Ontario Provincial Police have been kept busy responding to over 50 crashes in the southwestern region since Sunday morning. Authorities are advising residents in the London area to remain indoors as a winter storm originating from the United States is passing through, resulting in treacherous road conditions.
Sgt. Ed Sanchuk from the West Region OPP informed CBC News that they have already attended to 57 crashes since 8 a.m., emphasizing that roadways are still hazardous, covered in snow and slippery. A yellow snowfall warning has been issued by Environment Canada for London, with snowfall amounts anticipated to range between 10 to 15 centimeters before tapering off later in the evening. Meteorologist Samantha Mauti mentioned that temperatures during the day will drop to around -23°C with wind chill. Snowfall is expected to be intense throughout the day and evening, easing up slightly before midnight and ceasing early the following morning.
A yellow warning signifies a moderate impact that is localized and short-term, with officials cautioning that dangerous weather conditions can lead to disruptions. The police in the West Region of Ontario are strongly advising against non-essential travel, urging residents to avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary.
For those who must travel, Sanchuk recommends keeping headlights on, driving cautiously according to weather conditions, and ensuring adequate fuel and washer fluid supplies. He highlighted the importance of being prepared for sudden changes in weather, such as whiteout conditions and reduced visibility due to blowing snow. Mauti also warned of the potential risks of snow squalls alongside strong winds gusting between 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, which could persist into the following day.
The inclement weather has also impacted flight operations in Ontario, with several flights to and from London International Airport experiencing cancellations and delays, particularly to cities like Toronto and Calgary. Other regions in the province, including Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), are facing heavier snowfall under an orange warning. This storm system, originating from the U.S., has caused widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of people and leading to numerous flight cancellations.
Following a previous deep freeze in southwestern Ontario, where temperatures plummeted below -30°C, widespread cold warnings were issued across the region. The City of London is currently grappling with a shortage of road salt, prompting adjustments to winter road maintenance operations by city crews. The City of St. Thomas declared a significant weather event due to heavy snowfall, urging caution on roads and sidewalks.
Overnight temperatures are anticipated to reach a low of -14°C, feeling colder with wind chill, with a possibility of two to four centimeters of snow. A brief period of snow is expected on Monday morning, likely causing a messy commute, but the weather system is predicted to move through quickly. Despite the snow clearing out, below seasonal temperatures are expected to persist, with Monday’s high reaching -10°C and feeling like -19 with wind chill. Chillier conditions are likely to continue throughout the week.
