Environment Canada has issued a significant snowfall warning for Durham forecasting 15 to 20 cm of snow from Wednesday into Thursday.
In an update this morning, it said hazards include reduced visibility in heavy snow. Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult, and isolated power outages are possible.
Environment Canada said a Texas low tracking northeastward is expected to bring snow to the area early Wednesday afternoon until Thursday morning. Snowfall accumulations of 15 cm are expected, with locally higher amounts of up to 20 cm likely.
Today’s evening commute may prove difficult. “There will be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. Allow extra time to reach your destination.
“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.”
Durham municipalities also prepared for the weather and issued local alerts.
Oshawa Update
Oshawa said the city’s operations team has pretreated arterial and collector roads with a salt brine solution. Additionally, staff are preparing all snow cleaning equipment.
City recreation facilities will remain open as per each facility’s regular operating hours and programming will continue as scheduled. The city will continue to monitor weather conditions and post any changes to Facility, Parks and Program Updates – subscribe to receive email updates at Oshawa.ca/Subscribe.
With the special weather statement in effect, community members are reminded of the following:
Safety First
- Travelling conditions may deteriorate quickly. Be sure to plan ahead and give yourself extra time to reach your destination by car or transit.
- Report trees down, streetlights out or debris blocking a roadway to Service Oshawa 905-436-3311.
- Report power outages to Oshawa Power at 905-723-4623 and monitor their outage map.
Snow Clearing
- The city and the region use a priority system for plowing roads and salting during a winter storm, with salting and plowing beginning on high-use roadways and then moving on to residential streets. View the Snow Clearing Activity Report.
- Vehicles parked on city streets while snow clearing is in operation may be ticketed and/or towed.
- Make way for snowplows. Please give space to salters and plows. Do not follow closely or try to pass.
- Occasional Use Parking Permits will not be issued.
- Property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property by midnight the day after snow, sleet or freezing rain. Learn about your snow clearing responsibilities.
- Community members 65 or older and people with disabilities who have no resident without disabilities under the age of 65 living in their household can register for Snow Clearing Help for clearing snow from their sidewalks and driveway windrow.
- Learn more about Snow Clearing.
Waste Collection
- Due to the extreme weather, waste collection may experience delays. Leave materials in clear view for collection.
- For garbage and green bin collection issues, contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311. For inquiries related to blue box collection, contact the Region at 905-579-5264.
- Please keep these reminders in mind when placing waste at the curb:
- Respect and maintain physical distancing of 6 ft. (2 m.) with our waste collection staff. Please do not approach waste collection vehicles.
- Avoid placing materials at the curb the night before and ensure green bins, blue boxes and waste collectibles are visible.
- Place waste at the curb no later than 7 a.m. the day of collection on sections of your driveway that are at ground level – do not place collectables on top of snow banks or the roadway.
- To reduce the height of snow banks, shovel snow further back on your property to improve visibility.
- Keep a path from the road to your collectibles clear of snow and ice.
- Ensure all waste and green bin material is tied and secured in a bag. Loose materials will not be collected.
- On windy days, secure materials by placing heavier items on top. If you only have a few recyclables, wait until your next collection day. Remove empty bins as soon as possible to avoid having them blow away.
- Check your waste collection calendar for more information, visit our Waste webpage, or download the “Durham Region Waste” app.
Winter Fire Safety
- If a fire hydrant is in front of your home or business, remove accumulations of snow and ice around the fire hydrant.
- Remove snow accumulations around exit doors, stairways and fire escapes so that occupants have safe ways out in an emergency.
- Keep vents for furnaces, water heaters, dryers and other gas-fueled appliances clear of snow.
Clarington Update
The municipality asked residents to report winter road maintenance emergencies such as drifting snow, icy roads or downed trees by calling 905-623-3379. For non-emergencies, fill out the online Report a Problem form.
Safety
- If you are physically able, please clear snow and ice from around your hydrant to allow firefighters easy access to the area during an emergency.
- To prevent flooding, we encourage residents to clear snow and ice from on-street catch basins in front of their homes.
- Isolated utility outages are possible. Residents are encouraged to have an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. Get started on preparing your emergency plan and kit.
Parking
- Please ensure all vehicles are off the road to allow for snow clearing operations.
- Temporary parking passes and on-street parking permits are not valid during a snow event or for the duration of the cleanup.
- If you park on the street during a snow event, your vehicle may be ticketed or towed.