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For a second day, all public and Catholic schools outside of London have been cancelled due to poor road conditions as the region braces for an additional dumping of snow.
Another 20 centimetres is in the forecast, said Environment Canada meteorologist Daniel Sheldon. Snow squalls that moved through the city in the early morning hours are expected to return later on.
“Right now, they are mostly situated northeast of the city between Goderich, Bayfield and down toward the Woodstock area,” said Sheldon. “But these squalls are likely to drift south once again later this morning into this afternoon and evening.”
Worse conditions will remain just to the north of London, Sheldon added. Goderich, Stratford, St. Mary’s and Woodstock could see up to 40 cm by the end of the day. The lake effect will gradually weaken through the overnight hours.
The Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic School Board have closed schools in Elgin, Oxford and Middlesex counties, directing students to go online for school activities. Schools and buses inside the city are running as usual.
Crashes yesterday
Wednesday’s snowfall made for treacherous road conditions. Provincial police said they were called to 400 crashes throughout southwestern Ontario, include a crash involving two police cruisers that sent two officers to hospital with minor injuries.
Thursday’s weather could also lead to quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions, said Sheldon, especially for drivers going eastbound on Hwy. 401 from London, or north toward Perth County.
“It’s going to be pretty treacherous today,” said Sheldon, “Give yourself lots of time. Be aware that visibility can quickly go from perfect to basically a whiteout within minutes.”
Friday’s forecast offers some reprieve. Conditions are expected to be cloudy with a high of minus 2, followed by more cold and possible lake effect snow over the weekend.
