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City plows resume work, but OPP asks people to stay off roads

Christmas Day snowstorm has closed local highways and most city streets are virtually impassible due to 'extremely poor driving conditions,' says OPP
deep-snow-on-homewood-avenue
Most city streets are clogged with snow today after a powerful snowsquall hung over the city for more than 12 hours, dropping more than 45 centimetres of snow. Above is a stretch of Homewood Avenue.

Christmas Day 2022 brought the gift of snow to Orillia. 

A powerful snowsquall locked in over Orillia for more than 12 hours, dropping an estimated 54 centimetres (almost two feet) of the white stuff that has filled driveways, clogged local streets and rendered area highways dangerous.

Police shut down Highway 11 from Line 9 in Oro-Medonte all the way to Severn Township, north of Orillia, as of 12:30 p.m. this afternoon. 

Highway 12 is closed from Warminster to Fesserton due to "extremely poor driving conditions," notes the OPP, which had earlier reported numerous cars in the ditch near the area of Rama Road and Highway 12.

Meanwhile, most city streets remain virtually impassible. Earlier today, the municipality declared a "significant weather event" and pulled both street plows and sidewalk plows out of service due to safety concerns.

At 1:30 p.m., the city announced crews had resumed "plowing operations, focusing on arterial (main) roads throughout the city." 

The city notes road conditions "remain hazardous" and urge people to avoid all travel at this time.

There remains a snowsquall warning in effect for Orillia into tonight, according to Environment Canada, which reports an "organized lake effect snow band" has persisted over the area for much of the day.

As of 1:30 p.m., there was a lull as the band drifted northward. However, it's expected it will likely shift back toward Orillia later this afternoon.

"Travel is expected to be extremely hazardous due to reduced visibility," notes the advisory from Environment Canada.

"Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. If you become stranded in a vehicle do not leave. The vehicle offers a form of protection from the cold. A single person walking through the snow is harder to find than a stranded car or truck.

"Take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow," notes the advisory.

 


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Dave Dawson

About the Author: Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson is community editor of OrilliaMatters.com
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