Snowstorm Triggers Closures, Strands Cars, Disrupts Snow Events on Friday
The significant snowstorm impacting southern Ontario has led to extensive closures and hazardous travel conditions, particularly in the Waterloo Region. As of Friday morning, the area experienced record-breaking snowfall, with some locations receiving over 30 centimeters.
Record Snowfall and Weather Alerts
As reported by Environment Canada, the snowfall in Kitchener’s Stanley Park reached 31 centimeters by 9 a.m. on November 28, 2025. This event has been characterized as the highest lake effect snowfall recorded locally, with predictions of 40 to 70 centimeters in total by Saturday morning.
In response to these extreme weather conditions, an orange weather alert has been issued. This alert indicates:
- Hazardous travel conditions due to intense snow rates of 5 to 10 centimeters per hour.
- Near-zero visibility caused by blowing snow.
- Winds gusting up to 80 km/h.
Impact on Transportation and Services
The severe weather has resulted in the cancellation of all school buses, taxis, and special education routes for both the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Citizens are advised to stay updated on closures and cancellations through local news sources.
Snow events have been declared across the Waterloo Region. This includes Kitchener and Waterloo, which has prompted the city to implement no-parking regulations. These measures aim to enable snow plows to clear the roadways effectively.
| Location | Snowfall (cm) | Wind Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchener | 31.0 | 80 |
| Waterloo | 40-70 (forecast) | 80 |
Traffic Issues on Major Highways
The snowstorm has caused major disruptions on Highway 401. All eastbound lanes through Drumbo were closed from Thursday night to early Friday morning. Reports indicate that traffic was completely gridlocked, with stranded vehicles remaining stuck for hours.
Waterloo regional police reported being exceptionally busy during the storm. Since Thursday afternoon, officers responded to 33 collisions, most of which were minor and resulted in no injuries.
Residents are urged to exercise caution if travel is absolutely necessary and to remain informed about weather updates and local conditions through El-Balad.
