Snowstorm Threatens School Bus Cancellations in Southern Ontario’s Snowbelt Tuesday
Southern Ontario is bracing for potential school bus cancellations on Tuesday due to a developing snowstorm. This follows one of the largest single-day snowfalls on record in Toronto on Sunday. While Monday saw widespread cancellations across the Golden Horseshoe and Eastern Ontario, areas near Lake Huron and Georgian Bay returned to normal schooling.
Forecast for Southern Ontario’s Snowbelt
The primary storm system has moved out, but forecast models indicate that lake effect snow will trigger snow squall activity, particularly in Southern Ontario’s snowbelt. Regions like the Bruce Peninsula and Parry Sound are expected to experience heavy snowfall and poor visibility.
Snow Squall Warnings
Environment Canada has issued snow squall warnings for the affected areas. The warnings emphasize the risk of significant snowfall, especially in the following locations:
- Parry Sound: 90% chance of school bus cancellations.
- Bruce Peninsula: 75% chance of cancellations.
- East Parry Sound: 75% chance of cancellations.
- Lake Huron Shoreline: 50% chance.
- Perth County and Grey County: 25% chance of cancellations.
- North Muskoka: 50% chance of cancellations.
- North Bay and South Muskoka: 25% chance of cancellations.
- Northumberland County, Belleville, and Prince Edward County: 50% chance.
Specific Impact Areas
The Parry Sound region is expected to face the most intense snow squall activity, prompting a high likelihood of school bus cancellations. In contrast, the Bruce Peninsula, despite facing challenging conditions, may attempt to run its buses if conditions improve.
Along the Lake Huron shoreline, wind gusts reaching 50 to 60 km/h could exacerbate conditions and contribute to blowing snow. Inland areas like Perth County and Grey County have been assigned a lower cancellation probability, as the expected weather conditions diminish with distance from the lakes.
Potential Snow Day Decisions
As of now, the opportunities for snow days are primarily limited to the regions under snow squall warnings. The Toronto District School Board has already confirmed that schools will remain open, despite significant snowfall on Sunday.
In conclusion, while some areas may face school bus cancellations on Tuesday, many regions are likely to maintain regular schedules. Decisions will depend on real-time weather updates and road safety assessments.
