ORILLIA - Conditions did not improve overnight for those stuck in the snowy chaos of Highway 11 north of Orillia.
Reports indicate areas north of Orillia, where hundreds of tractor trailers are stuck idling on the snowy highway at Washago and beyond, received upwards of 45 centimetres of fresh snow overnight. That brings the total accumulation, in some areas, to more than 130 centimetres since Friday night.
Things began to deteriorate Saturday, just before the lunch hour. As the snow pummelled the region, numerous crashes occurred, leaving the busy highway littered with vehicles. That meant snow plows could not clear the roads.
Waiting in the squall as it’s pushing towards Orillia then Barrie, then maybe even a brief blast of snow in the GTA. #ONStorm pic.twitter.com/TITJkao7Dj
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) December 1, 2024
Things got worse as more snow fell. The traffic lined up, with nowhere to go as snow-clogged sideroads were also closed.
The highway was shut down at Washago Saturday afternoon. Throughout the day, towing companies and emergency personnel worked to clear the passenger vehicles.
Late Saturday night, those still stranded were "extracted" to the Gravenhurst Town Hall, which was turned into a warming centre. Thankfully, generators were able to heat the facility amid a lengthy power outage.
Overnight Saturday, the snow continued to wallop the area. The OPP says the highway remains closed (from Highway 169 to Highway 118) and a reopening is not expected quickly as crews work to clear the heavy snow.
Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz declared a state of emergency in the town and officially activated the town’s virtual emergency operations centre.
Town officials made the declaration at 2:30 a.m. this morning, according to a media release.
"The state of emergency is because of the substantial snowfall in the community and the prolonged closure of Highway 11," it stated.
According to the media release, these are key factors for the public to know:
- Emergency services are limited and, in some instances, might not be able to respond.
- Town snowplow crews and contractors continue to clear roads, but this work is limited and slow because of obstacles such as downed trees and limbs, downed power lines, and vehicles that are blocking routes.
- The town is asking people to stay home. Please avoid travel by foot or car.
- Please avoid situations that put your home or shelter location at risk (for example makeshift fires and unattended candles).
- One of the biggest challenges now is the town’s inability to move vehicles and equipment to other areas of the municipality using provincial Highway 11. We are working with the province to get the highway clear of snow.
- The town is working with neighbouring municipalities to bring in their resources to assist with snow cleanup around the community.
- If you are in an emergency and require assistance, dial 9-1-1.
In Orillia, snow squalls dumped about 40 centimetres of snow on the city Saturday, though in the northern part of town, there was much more.
This morning, another squall is moving in and is expected to bring with it an addition 10-20 centimetres of snow before it moves south. People are being advised not to travel today.
