Essex and Tecumseh Face Major Snow Events

The Towns of Essex and Tecumseh have declared major weather events as heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures hit southwestern Ontario.

The towns are urging residents to move their cars off the streets if they can, allowing snow plows to operate effectively for better snow removal.

Tecumseh is advising those without driveways to relocate their vehicles after the initial pass of the plow so that crews can clear away any snow accumulation.

Municipalities in Ontario announce significant weather events to alert citizens about potential dangers when conditions become so severe that crews can’t meet the province’s minimum road clearing standards.

The Town of Tecumseh is also cautioning residents that public transit may experience delays due to the current weather situation.

Officials remind property owners that they need to clear snow and ice from sidewalks and in front of commercial properties within four hours after a snowfall or when ice forms.

Sarnia Facing Snow Squall Warning

The Town of Essex asks residents who are shoveling driveways and sidewalks to place snow on lawns rather than onto the street.

Sarnia is currently under a snow squall warning as more snowfall, estimated at 20 to 40 centimeters, is expected throughout Thursday afternoon.

Travel conditions could be dangerous, according to Environment Canada, with visibility dropping near zero at times.

“Northerly wind gusts of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour will result in blowing snow and further reduce visibility,” the weather office stated.

Provincial police reported earlier Thursday that several roads across southwestern Ontario are closed due to poor weather conditions, advising drivers to exercise caution on open roads.

Police announced closure of Highway 401 eastbound at Queens Line in Tilbury on Thursday morning because of “multiple collisions,” according to a post made at 7:15 a. m. on Ontario Provincial Police’s west region social media feed.

“Expect the highway to be closed for a long time to facilitate clean-up,” read the post.

The highway remained shut down as of 12:40 p. m.

“Roadways are ice and snow-covered,” said Sgt. Ed Sanchuk in a video posted on X. com, “yet we still have drivers out here operating their vehicles like it’s a hot, warm summer day.”

The Lambton-Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board canceled classes at all schools Thursday due to severe weather conditions.

The Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence informed CBC that its schools are open Thursday, but school bus services have been suspended.

School bus service was also canceled across Windsor-Essex.

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