Heavy snow batters Muskoka-area, forcing highway closures and treacherous conditions

Several municipalities across the region are having to deal with more snow squalls and slippery conditions.

Communities throughout Muskoka are recovering from a powerful winter storm that swept through the region, resulting in heavy snowfall, hazardous driving conditions, and major highway closures.

According to municipal officials, residents across the Town of Huntsville have seen roughly 30 centimetres of snow since Sunday, with another 10 to 20 centimetres expected on Thursday.

Environment Canada issued a snow squall warning Wednesday morning for Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and surrounding areas with wind gusts nearing 50 kilometres an hour.

Highway 11 was closed for a large part of Tuesday in both directions, from Highway 117 in Bracebridge to Doe Lake Road in Gravenhurst, due to a multi-vehicle crash.

• RELATED: Highway 11 closed due to multi-vehicle pileup

Paramedics told CTV News that there were numerous collisions in the area and vehicles in the ditch, citing poor visibility and deteriorating road conditions as the driving factor. One person was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Despite the challenging conditions, Huntsville has not declared a significant weather event this week. Crews say they continue to monitor weather closely while maintaining more than 400 kilometres of roads, another 30 kilometres of sidewalks, and town parking lots throughout the winter season, which runs from Nov. 1 to April 15.

• EXTENDED: Highway 11 shuts down after crash involving tractor trailer
• EXTENDED: Highway 11 between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst shuts down for hours

In response to the recent snow accumulation, Huntsville staff told CTV News they have brought in a contractor to assist with snow removal on urban roads Thursday and Friday nights. Residents are being reminded by the town to avoid overnight street parking to allow crews to clear snow efficiently.

Neighbouring Gravenhurst has also been managing steady winter conditions. The town declared one significant weather event over the Christmas holiday but has not issued any since.

Officials note that snowfall totals are not tracked locally and winter maintenance operations remain ongoing.

The whiteout conditions this week reduced driving visibility and icy roadways created major delays and unpredictable travel conditions.

The squalls impacted travel and school transportation Wednesday leaving hundreds of students with another snow day. The Trillium Lakelands District School Board cancelled bus transportation in Zones 1 and 2 due to road conditions.

With January well underway and more winter still ahead, Muskoka crews say they remain focused on keeping roads and sidewalks passable as snow squalls continue to roll through cottage country.