A powerful winter storm has closed North Wellington schools, cancelled buses, and brought dangerous snow and wind across southwestern Ontario.
Winter Storm Forces School Closures Across North Wellington
Impact on Schools
A fast-moving winter storm sweeping into Waterloo Region and Guelph early Thursday forced the Upper Grand District School Board to close all schools in North Wellington. The board said students and teachers in the affected areas should shift to remote learning where possible. Schools in Guelph, Puslinch, Erin and Rockwood remain open.
Transportation Disruptions
School taxis and buses in Centre Wellington, Erin, Rockwood, North Wellington and Dufferin County were cancelled as conditions deteriorated. In contrast, buses continue to operate in Guelph, South Wellington and Puslinch. In Waterloo Region, schools stayed open and buses ran as scheduled, except for Francobus routes, which were suspended due to safety concerns.
Weather Conditions Intensify
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a snow squall watch for communities from Windsor to Kingston, warning that 15 to 30 centimetres of snow could fall by Saturday. Higher totals—between 30 and 60 centimetres—are possible for areas closer to Lake Huron, including Goderich, Minto and Hanover, according to warning preparedness meteorologist Jim Prime.
Forecast and Timeline
Meteorologists say snow squalls will shift throughout Thursday before becoming more sustained Thursday night. Forecast models suggest strong winds of 70 to 80 km/h will continue across southwestern Ontario, with the storm expected to persist into early Saturday.
Safety and Travel Advisory
Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, urged residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions. He advised drivers to allow extra time, maintain greater following distances and plan routes carefully as visibility is expected to deteriorate significantly through Friday.
