Snow Day: Southern Ontario Faces More School Bus Cancellations Wednesday
Southern Ontario is bracing for significant snow squall activity as winter weather continues into Wednesday. A series of squalls, emanating from Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, are causing hazardous conditions throughout the region.
Snow Squall Impact and Forecast
The snow squalls are expected to deliver heavy snowfall, with localized totals reaching between 20 to 30 cm. These conditions will result in poor visibility and blowing snow, making travel increasingly dangerous.
Areas Most Affected
- High Confidence Regions: Areas east of Lake Huron, particularly those under the Bluewater District School Board and Huron County within the Avon Maitland District School Board, face a 90% likelihood of school bus cancellations.
- Moderate Confidence Regions: Perth County, Dufferin County, and parts of Simcoe County have a 75% chance of cancellations.
- Toss-Up Regions: Simcoe Central, Wellington County, and South Muskoka are currently under warnings, but the outcome remains uncertain.
- Low Confidence Region: Prince Edward County has a 50% probability of cancellations, with conditions potentially improving overnight.
- Minimal Impact Areas: Middlesex, Oxford counties, Georgina, North Muskoka, and parts of Belleville face around a 25% chance of cancellations.
Travel Conditions and Safety
These weather conditions create particularly troublesome travel on rural routes. Snowdrifts and whiteout conditions pose a serious risk for school buses in the affected areas. Despite the challenges, some regions may attempt to operate as conditions evolve overnight.
Minimized Risk Regions
In contrast, areas such as the Golden Horseshoe, Deep Southwestern Ontario, and most of Eastern Ontario are expected to experience minimal impacts. Here, travel conditions are forecast to remain manageable, allowing school buses to run as scheduled.
The snow squall activity is set to continue impacting Southern Ontario throughout the night into Wednesday. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions, particularly those in the most affected regions.
