A winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to Waterloo region and Guelph and local authorities are warning commuters to stay safe.
Strong winds and flurries in the morning closed schools in North Wellington and cancelled some school buses Thursday morning.
Students and teachers in North Wellington should shift to remote learning where possible as schools in that area are closed due to the weather, said an email from Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) spokesperson Heather Loney.
WATCH | Downtown Kitchener a winter wonderland as storm hits region:
Downtown Kitchener a winter wonderland as storm hits region
A heavy sprinkle of snow across Waterloo region has put some residents in the mood for the holidays. Environment Canada issued a snow squall watch for heavy snow expected to fall Thursday and last until Saturday with up to 30 cm possible. It’s part of a larger system set to bring snow and high winds to the area stretching from Windsor to Kingston.
All other schools under the UGDSB are open today, including in Guelph, Puslinch, Erin and Rockwood.
All school taxis and buses in Centre Wellington, Erin, Rockwood, North Wellington and Dufferin County will not be operating.
Buses in Guelph South Wellington and Puslinch are operating.
Schools are open in Waterloo region and buses are running, except for Francobus routes which are cancelled.
WATCH | Heavy snowfall expected in parts of Ontario:
Heavy snowfall expected in parts of Ontario
Environment Canada has updated its weather warnings just as the forecast calls for heavy snow for many areas in Ontario.
A snow squall watch is in effect for snow expected to fall Thursday and into Friday, with up to 30 cm possible, even up to 60 cm for people closer to Lake Huron.
It’s part of a larger system set to bring snow and high winds to the area stretching from Windsor to Kingston.
“Some areas around Goderich, Minto and Hanover, they can be seeing 30 to 60 cm and even higher than that,” warning preparedness meteorologist Jim Prime, told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s The Morning Edition Thursday.
Environment Canada said snow squalls will shift throughout the day on Thursday before locking in place Thursday night.
Prime said strong winds are also expected in southwestern Ontario throughout Thursday, with wind gusts of up to 70 or 80 km/h.
Prime said this weather event may stick around for several days.
“We’re starting it this morning, going through to tomorrow and maybe even into the early part of Saturday,” he said.
Help for those experiencing homelessness
In an emailed statement to CBC News, the Region of Waterloo says it is working closely with people who have lived experience to prepare for cold and snowy weather this year.
“Winter plans include expansions of the emergency shelter system, creating new overflow spaces in shelters and motels across the community, the distribution of winter warming packages, and the opening of two overnight warming spaces (one in Kitchener and one in Cambridge). The overnight warming centres are near or at capacity most nights,” the statement said in part.
The region says it has also put together winter warming packages with items to help people experiencing homelessness. The packages will be distributed by outreach workers who can also connect people to other supports they may need.
There are also several spaces around the region that give people a warm place to go during the day.
“They are located all over Waterloo region, including Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich,” said the statement from the region, encouraging people to find the full list of locations on its website.
“Region of Waterloo buildings that operate as daytime warming spaces at 150 Frederick Street in Kitchener and 150 Main Street in Cambridge are open on the weekends and holidays during the winter months.”
Winter safety tips for drivers
Commuters making the daily drive out of the city will need to adjust their driving and be prepared for the elements.
Nadia Matos is the manager of external communications for CAA South Central Ontario.
She says there are a few more things you could be doing in addition to getting your winter tires on.
“Get your mechanic to check the the health span of your battery if it’s going to last. Also very important, make sure you pack an emergency kit which will help you navigate all sorts of scenarios that you never really did expect.”
She says a winter emergency kit is something you can buy at many different stores.
“It has a collapsible shovel in there and it has a blanket in there and many other things. We also recommend to make sure that your emergency kit has things like some tea lights and some waterproof matches and perhaps a flashlight that can help you in a pinch. But there are other things too that you want to think about, including maybe some non perishable food items in there, some water.”
Matos is also recommending you pack a cell phone charger with you, especially if you tend to leave your house with your phone not fully charged.
“It’s really important that you kind of consider where is your commute taking you over the next few days if you are going on a longer commute … things that you wouldn’t normally need if you were driving around in the city.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder told CBC News people should be aware of travel conditions before leaving their homes.
“Make sure you’re taking extra precautions if you’re heading out on the roads, so keeping safe distances, giving yourself extra time to get to where you’re going to travel,” Flisfeder said.
“Travel is likely to be impeded as a result of those visibility issues, so keep that in mind if you have to be out on the roads Thursday through Friday.”
