Ontario town declares state of emergency as heavy snowfall knocks out power for parts of province

Intense snow squalls have been wreaking havoc in Ontario, with some central and northern parts of the province being buried under more than a metre of snow. The extreme weather conditions have led to vehicles getting stranded and have even prompted one town to declare a state of emergency.

Gravenhurst, a town located in Ontario’s Muskoka region, was hit particularly hard, experiencing around 140 centimetres of snowfall. In response to a prolonged highway closure and limited emergency services, the town declared a state of emergency. Ontario Provincial Police have been working diligently to help the remaining stranded vehicles on a snow-covered stretch of Highway 11 north of Orillia make their way into Gravenhurst.

Emergency crews have been assisting in rescuing people from their cars and bringing them to the Gravenhurst Town Hall, which has been powered by generators due to widespread power outages in the area. Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz has reported that there have been no injuries in the town and has advised residents to stay home for their safety. She emphasized the importance of avoiding travel on the dangerous roads to prevent the need for rescue operations.

The heavy snowfall has also caused power outages, with more than 60,000 Hydro One customers left without electricity as of Sunday morning. Snow squalls originating from Lake Huron and Georgian Bay are expected to move into southwestern Ontario, bringing down branches onto power lines. Hydro One spokesperson Tiziana Baccega Rosa highlighted the challenges faced by workers in making repairs due to road closures and hazardous conditions. She advised people to be prepared for potential extended power outages and urged caution during the severe weather.

As the snow squalls continue to impact Ontario, it is essential for residents to prioritize safety and heed the advice of emergency officials. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can navigate through the challenging weather conditions and ensure their well-being during this winter storm.