Commute this morning is likely to be difficult as Environment Canada forecast a stop to the snowfall only this morning. It said snow accumulations could be as much as 20cm.
Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) reminded motorists that with deteriorating weather conditions, to avoid unnecessary travel.
“If you do have to go out onto the roadways, make sure your car is cleared of snow and take it slow,” it advised.
In a snowfall warning update for Durham issued at 11:03 pm last night, Environment Canada again warned of reduced visibility in heavy snow as well as rapidly accumulating snow to make travel difficult. Isolated power outages are possible, it added.
Local heavy snow was to taper off to flurries overnight and early Thursday morning.
Utility provider Elexicon Energy reported outages due to inclement weather. At one point it said, “We have three active outages affecting customers in Ajax, Pickering and Whitby. Crews have been dispatched but road conditions will delay their travel to sites. ETRs (estimated time of repairs) are unavailable at the moment. Updates will be provided as soon as they become available.”
Metrolinx, the operator of GO trains, advised Whitby GO customers that “due to a power outage, the elevators are all out of service. The station is not accessible until further notice. Customers with accessibility needs should use Oshawa GO or Ajax GO stations. An update will be provided as more information becomes available”.
Ajax Public Library Main Branch was without power and was to close at 5pm for the remainder of the evening. “Our apologies, but McLean and Audley are scheduled to remain open,” said an Ajax update.
Town of Whitby announced that recreation facilities will remain open, and scheduled programming will continue as usual. Please be careful when out and about, and watch out for snowplows.
Region of Durham advised road users to never pass working snowplows. “When you see their flashing blue lights, stay back and be patient.”