The much-anticipated snowfall seems to have had an impact on life in Durham with some power outages, and making for difficult driving conditions as projected.
One of the more serious incidents was reported by Durham Regional Police (DRPS) officers from the North Division.
They said a school bus driver injured and was taken to a trauma centre after bus roll-over (top image) in Sunderland.
“No students were on the bus. Please drive slowly and with extra care during heavy snow and poor road conditions, said the police.
Utility provider Elexicon Energy reported outage due to inclement weather in the City of Pickering affecting 9th Concession Road and Westney Road, to Lake Ridge Road.
Durham Region Transit (DRT) reminded users of possible delays due to the special weather conditions.
“Please allow for extra time on your commute and check Trip Planner to get the most up-to-date information about your trip,” it said.
Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) said as we move through the winter and snowy season, we encourage families to check Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) for school bus cancellations in your zone.
Road accidents were reported elsewhere too like the one below at Highway 7 and Pickering Concession Road 6 in the City of Pickering.
“Stay off the roads during the storm!” said DRPS Traffic Services.
Roads are getting bad, so plan ahead and slow down! Everyone deserves to safely get to their destination. ^bb pic.twitter.com/rpli2P3VWo
— DRPS Traffic Services (@DRPSRoadSafety) December 15, 2022
Regional Municipality of Durham advised residents that due to severe weather some regional facilities and services were unavailable for the remainder of the day. For a full list of impacted services, visit durham.ca/WeatherClosures.
It said Health Department services, including Dental/Oral Health clinics, were closed for the rest of the day. The Health Department’s Sexual Health Clinics, and Community Immunization Clinics in Oshawa, 419 King St. W. – formerly Sears, lower level and Clarington, Garnet B Rickard Recreation Complex, are also now closed. As a result of this closure, individuals who have appointments booked at these clinics will be contacted to reschedule.
Pickering announced all winter event updates for the city will be posted here: pickering.ca.
Clarington said due to the heavy snowfall expected this afternoon and evening, all recreation, fitness and aquatic programs and activities will be cancelled as of 4 pm for the remainder of the day. The Diane Hamre Recreation Complex, Courtice Community Complex, Bowmanville Indoor Soccer Facility and Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre will be closed.
Friday Forecast
DRPS warned of a little bit of mixed precipitation expected over the next 24 hours. Rain, Snow, Ice and strong winds. Not necessarily in that order.
“If you have to be out on the roadways, use caution and drive accordingly. Stay Safe!,” it said.
Environment Canada said snowfall was to continue into Friday morning with peak snowfall rates of 2 to 4 cm per hour.
It also warned motorists of forecast reduced visibility in heavy snow.