A storm that led to the closure of many roads across multiple counties in southwestern Ontario has mostly passed, and thousands of residents dealing with heavy snow and strong winds started to dig themselves out on Wednesday.
The Ontario Provincial Police shut down major provincial highways in Huron, Perth, Grey, and Bruce counties on Tuesday due to the heavy snowfall that began over the weekend. In some areas like Kincardine, Brockton, and Saugeen Shores, all rural municipal roads along with several town roads were closed.
By Wednesday morning, some roads had reopened while others remained blocked. Drivers are encouraged to check local weather updates for the latest information.
Update as of 19 February at 7:37am:
The snow squalls have moved out of the Grey Bruce area. Drivers may still encounter drifting snow in open spaces. The #Grey Bruce OPP report that these roads are currently closed:
Grey Road 30 in Grey Highlands.
The Grey Bruce OPP thank the plough… pic. twitter. com/x H2Nf Spv Zc -@OPP_WR “Yesterday alone, we had 38 collisions. Four of those involved seven or more vehicles, with injuries ranging from no injuries to minor injuries,” said Grey Bruce OPP Const. Krista Linthorne on Tuesday. Snowfall began on Saturday and continued through the long weekend, leaving a deep layer of snow across much of the province. As snowfall subsided in Middlesex, Huron, and Perth counties by Family Day Monday, Grey and Bruce counties did not see any relief. Environment Canada predicted ongoing snowfall for Grey and Bruce counties, with a snow squall warning indicating up to 70 centimeters more could fall in some areas by Tuesday night.![]()
Massive snowbanks line both sides of Ontario Hwy. 6 in Bruce County on Tuesday. Captured on a Ministry of Transportation camera. (MTO)
This combination of snowfall and wind leads to poor visibility and slippery roads, according to Linthorne, who mentioned that many locals continue traveling on closed routes.
“We’re urging drivers to limit travel to essential trips only. Essential meaning you have to go. Otherwise, I’d rather people just stay home and ride out this storm; hopefully tomorrow will be better,” she said.
In Kincardine, Brockton, and Saugeen Shores, this means staying indoors until conditions improve-even politicians are affected. Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau told he’s stuck at home like most people in his community.
“We’re pretty well hunkered down just trying to shovel out our driveways and keep warm,” Charbonneau said. “If you don’t absolutely have to get somewhere, don’t go. Frankly, you can’t go anyways because the roads are closed.”
Charbonneau echoed descriptions shared by many throughout the region on social media groups aimed at keeping locals informed about storm-related issues.
The shared experiences included massive snowbanks towering above roadside markers and front yards covered with waist-deep snow.
“It’s more snow than I’ve seen in a lot of years; that’s for sure! But people are making the best out of it,” the mayor remarked.
While widespread road closures have kept many inside their homes, they’ve also fostered community interaction as people share information about conditions.
Justin Morrison has been central to this effort. Besides being a councillor for Brussels in Huron East, he runs a Facebook page called Huron-Perth Weather Watch.
The group has over 15,000 members who find it helpful during times like these.
“What I’m doing with this event specifically is I’m updating a map every time there’s a road closure in a municipality or county or provincial highway; I compile all information into one location and publish it,” Morrison explained.![]()
This map created by Morrison using Google Maps shows road closures across the affected area as of midday Tuesday (Justin Morrison via Google Maps).
This interactive map helps locals see real-time updates about where closures are happening. Additionally,Morrison noted, many group members assist each other in various ways during this challenging time.
“Everybody’s asking,’What’s this road like? How much snow is falling?’ The whole community seems united helping answer questions and navigate through these tough times,” he said. As snowfall continues affecting Grey and Bruce regions while strong winds cause blowing snow across Perth and Huron areas,, police officials ask residents for patience.” EveN if conditions cleared up recently; it can take longer than expected to clear so many roads since plow crews remain stretched thin,” Charbonneau advised.”
Police also recommend staying informed as not all closed routes have barriers blocking them,, and even though some paths appear open; it’s best to avoid driving entirely,” they suggested.” “
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The snow squalls have moved out of the Grey Bruce area. Drivers may still encounter drifting snow in open spaces. The #Grey Bruce OPP report that these roads are currently closed:
Grey Road 30 in Grey Highlands.
The Grey Bruce OPP thank the plough… pic. twitter. com/x H2Nf Spv Zc -@OPP_WR “Yesterday alone, we had 38 collisions. Four of those involved seven or more vehicles, with injuries ranging from no injuries to minor injuries,” said Grey Bruce OPP Const. Krista Linthorne on Tuesday. Snowfall began on Saturday and continued through the long weekend, leaving a deep layer of snow across much of the province. As snowfall subsided in Middlesex, Huron, and Perth counties by Family Day Monday, Grey and Bruce counties did not see any relief. Environment Canada predicted ongoing snowfall for Grey and Bruce counties, with a snow squall warning indicating up to 70 centimeters more could fall in some areas by Tuesday night.
“What I’m doing with this event specifically is I’m updating a map every time there’s a road closure in a municipality or county or provincial highway; I compile all information into one location and publish it,” Morrison explained.
“Everybody’s asking,’What’s this road like? How much snow is falling?’ The whole community seems united helping answer questions and navigate through these tough times,” he said. As snowfall continues affecting Grey and Bruce regions while strong winds cause blowing snow across Perth and Huron areas,, police officials ask residents for patience.” EveN if conditions cleared up recently; it can take longer than expected to clear so many roads since plow crews remain stretched thin,” Charbonneau advised.”
Police also recommend staying informed as not all closed routes have barriers blocking them,, and even though some paths appear open; it’s best to avoid driving entirely,” they suggested.” “
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