Deteriorating road conditions shut down several rural routes as powerful blizzard barrels in

Hundreds of customers lost power and multiple collisions were reported as ice, snow, and wind wreaked havoc on the region.

Whiteout conditions are tightening their grip across Ontario forcing officials to shut down a couple of key rural routes as a powerful winter system barrels through the region.

On Monday morning, provincial police announced the closure of Town Line between Foxmead Road and Warminster Road in Severn due to rapidly deteriorating road conditions.

Orillia police have cleared the area, with Simcoe County now managing access and monitoring driving conditions. Motorists are urged by police to stay away from the area and use alternate routes at this time.

Highway 26 from Grey Road 19 to Lakeshore Road East in The Blue Mountains is closed due to severe weather, poor visibility, and deteriorating road conditions.

Police also closed County Road 92 between Crossland Road and Village Gate Drive in Wasaga Beach as a result of of poor visibility and poor driving conditions.

All Flos Roads from Phelpston to Elmvale are also closed.

Highway 169 between Rama Township Road 46 and Concession Road 10 in Udney is closed due to a collision. Police are urging motorists to avoid the area and only to drive if absolutely necessary, as the winter storm makes driving treacherous.

OPP say 27-28 Sideroad Nottawasaga from County Road 7 to Highway 26 is closed.

County Road 10 from Highway 26 to Angus is closed as well.

Authorities are reminding drivers to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Dangerous snow squalls

The closures come as Environment Canada warns of dangerous snow squalls and full blizzard conditions developing late Monday morning and continuing into Tuesday.

Near-zero visibility, widespread blowing snow, and icy surfaces are expected to make travel extremely hazardous.

The national weather agency says an initial, fast-moving snow squall tied to a cold front will sweep through late Monday morning, dumping up to five centimetres of snow in a short time while temperatures plunge, creating flash-freezing conditions. More intense lake-effect snow squalls off Georgian Bay are expected in the afternoon and overnight.

Total snowfall amounts of 25 to 45 centimetres are possible, with the heaviest accumulation forecast southeast of Georgian Bay. Strong winds will compound the danger, with gusts reaching 70 to 90 km/h into the night, leading to drifting snow and frequent whiteouts.

Residents are being advised to postpone non-essential travel, secure loose objects, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Blizzard conditions are expected to ease to scattered flurries by Tuesday afternoon.