A significant winter storm is impacting London and the surrounding region, prompting widespread travel disruptions and warnings from Environment Canada. The area is under a blanket of heavy snow, with forecasts predicting accumulations of up to 20 centimetres by Thursday night.
Weather Warnings and Forecast Details
Environment Canada has issued a weather warning for the region, highlighting the ongoing snowfall and hazardous conditions. CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison confirmed that flurries are expected to continue throughout the period, contributing to the significant accumulation. The system is also bringing bitterly cold, icy temperatures, creating a combination of poor visibility and treacherous road surfaces.
The snowfall, which began intensively on Wednesday, is part of a larger system affecting southwestern Ontario. Residents are advised to prepare for challenging commuting conditions and potential further disruptions to services.
Immediate Impacts on Transportation
The storm's first major impact has been on public transit. Multiple bus cancellations have been reported across London as authorities deem road conditions unsafe for regular service. The cancellations affect various routes, stranding some commuters and urging others to seek alternative travel plans or work from home if possible.
Road safety is a paramount concern. A section of Highway 402 near London, which had been closed, has since reopened. However, drivers are facing new closures, including a section of the same highway near Strathroy due to a collision. Police are reminding motorists to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and ensure vehicles are properly equipped for winter driving.
Regional Context and Safety Advisories
This London-area event is part of a broader pattern of extreme winter weather across Canada. From dense fog warnings in British Columbia to a warm spell in Alberta breaking January records, the country is experiencing a volatile winter. The situation in southwestern Ontario underscores the importance of heeding local advisories.
Authorities are urging residents to:
- Avoid non-essential travel.
- Check for the latest bus service updates before heading out.
- Allow extra time for any necessary journeys and keep a winter survival kit in vehicles.
- Be prepared to shovel significant amounts of snow, with the potential for back-breaking accumulations.
The combination of heavy snow, continuing flurries, and icy temperatures is creating a prolonged hazardous situation. Residents are advised to monitor updates from Environment Canada and local authorities as the storm system progresses through Thursday night.
