Springwater, Ont., officials urge residents to stay off roads due to significant weather event | CBC News

"In a weather update, officials in Springwater said the weather event is causing hazardous road conditions throughout the municipality. The Township is strongly advising all residents and motorists to stay off the roads immediately and avoid all unnecessary travel, officials said in the update. Travelling at this time places motorists, emergency responders, and Public Works crews at serious risk and significantly impacts snow removal and emergency response operations."

"A snow squall is a sudden, intense and short-lived burst of heavy snow and strong winds that causes near-total whiteout conditions and rapidly freezing road surfaces. In its warning, Environment Canada said there is near zero visibility due to widespread blowing snow resulting from northwesterly winds gusting 50 to 70 km/h. An additional 10 to 30 centimetres of snow is also expected."

"Springwater officials are asking residents to remove all garbage and recycling bins from sidewalks and roadways to support ongoing snow clearing efforts. Officials also said Tuesday the Elmvale Community Centre is open as a warming centre for stranded motorists. The Elmvale Arena is closed and all scheduled programming is cancelled. The Township of Springwater thanks residents for their cooperation and patience, the update said."

Springwater Township north of Barrie, Ontario is experiencing a significant snow squall causing hazardous road conditions. Officials strongly advise residents and motorists to stay off roads immediately and avoid unnecessary travel. Travel during the event endangers motorists, emergency responders, and Public Works crews and hinders snow removal and emergency response operations. Environment Canada has issued an orange snow squall warning with near-zero visibility, northwesterly winds gusting 50 to 70 km/h, and an additional 10 to 30 centimetres of snow expected. Residents are asked to remove garbage and recycling bins from sidewalks and roadways. The Elmvale Community Centre is open as a warming centre; the Elmvale Arena is closed and programming is cancelled. Several temporary road closures remain in effect.

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