School buses cancelled across multiple boards amid significant snowfall

Snow covered school buses. (Sean Kilpatrick)

A fresh wave of winter weather has forced widespread school bus cancellations across Central Ontario Thursday morning.

Environment Canada issued a yellow weather warning, stating an additional five to 10 centimetres of snow is expected through the afternoon, with reduced visibility at times due to heavy and blowing snow.

In response, all school buses and vans in Simcoe County are cancelled for the day, with officials citing hazardous road conditions.

Transportation is also cancelled for students in zones three, four, and five of the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, affecting communities served by those routes.

Bus and taxi transportation for both the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board are cancelled region-wide.

All schools and offices in Upper Grand District School Board are closed to staff and students. Staff are asked by the board not to report to work in person, and should shift to remote working where possible.

Bluewater District School Board schools (elementary and secondary) and work sites are also closed Thursday.

While transportation is a no-go, families are reminded by board staff that some schools remain open unless otherwise announced.

Environment Canada advises drivers to allow extra travel time, drive according to conditions, and watch for rapidly changing visibility. Conditions are forecasted to gradually improve later Thursday evening as the snow tapers off.