Dangerous storm slams region forcing widespread road closures: Here’s the latest

A person clearing snow off of a vehicle after a powerful winter storm touched down in Springwater Township, Ont., on Tue., Dec. 30, 2025. (CTV News)

Drivers across the region woke up to locked gates and impassable roads Tuesday as a powerful winter storm forced widespread closures. Whiteout conditions have shut down key routes, leaving people with few safe options as dangerous squalls continue to brew.

Several major roads remain closed Tuesday due to near-zero visibility, deep snow, and dangerous blowing snow. Authorities stress that these closures are not precautionary. They reflect conditions on the ground that are rapidly deteriorating and, at times, impassable.

All roads in Springwater, Clearview, and Wasaga Beach are experiencing severe delays in emergency response and tow services due to the ongoing storm.

Closures

• All Flos Roads: Phelpston to Elmvale
• County Road 92: Elmvale to Wasaga Beach
• County Road 10: Wasaga Beach to Angus has reopened as of Tuesday night
• Highway 26: Horseshoe Valley Road to Stayner
• Crossland Road: Tiny Township Concession 4 to Horseshoe Valley Road
• Nottawasaga 27/28 Sideroad: Fully closed

To support ongoing snow clearing efforts, residents are asked to remove all garbage and recycling carts from sidewalks and roadways and place them well back from the travelled portion of the road.

Higher-than-normal call volumes

The CAA says it is currently experiencing higher-than-normal call volumes in Barrie due to the weather.

“About half of the calls are for tow service, and the other half is for battery or light service,” said CAA spokesperson Nadia Matos to CTV News. “So far in Barrie, we are seeing call volumes at four times the usual amount on an average winter day.”

The federation says it expects to remain similarly busy as the week progresses. “Those in non-emergency situations (such as those at home) may experience wait times of up to a day, as we continue to prioritize assisting those in emergency situations first,” Nadia continued.

If you do have to venture out, officials urge that you don’t leave without at least a half-tank of gas, a fully stocked emergency car kit, and a cell phone charger.

50 cm of snow possible

The closures come as intense lake-effect snow off Georgian Bay combines with strong winds gusting between 50 and 70 kilometres an hour, creating frequent whiteout conditions.

According to Environment Canada, visibility can drop to near zero without warning, making travel extremely hazardous. While winds are expected to ease later in the day, snow bands may intensify again Wednesday, raising the risk of further closures.

Officials warn that additional snowfall of 20 to 40 centimetres is expected through Wednesday afternoon, with totals possibly exceeding 50 cm by Thursday morning in some areas.

Ontario Provincial Police say it continues to respond to calls for service, however, emergency vehicles and tow trucks are experiencing significant delays with some roads being restricted.

Drivers are urged to check the latest road status before heading out as conditions remain highly unpredictable.