Snow-clearing efforts stalled due to tractor-trailers stuck on many roads along Highway 11

‘That amount in that amount of time is unusual’ MPP Graydon Smith updated parliament on the snow situation in Muskoka, including a local story of generosity.

Snow-clearing efforts continue on secondary roads that remain closed along Highway 11 on Tuesday.

Provincial police and emergency crews are working to remove heavy snow and provide support to those impacted by the weekend’s snowstorm that dumped up to 140 centimetres in Muskoka.

Police said there were nine tractor trailers stuck on secondary roads, delaying efforts to remove snow and restore power.

The closed roads include Houseys Rapids Road, Uffington Road, Southwood Road and Beiers Road in Muskoka.

Additionally, police say the northbound ramp at Luigi Road in Gravenhurst remains closed.

On Tuesday, Gravenhurst’s mayor put out an unusual call to the public.

“If you don’t live here do not come up, even to check on your cottage,” stated Mayor Heidi Lorenz.

Highway 11 was shuttered on Saturday from West Street in Orillia to Highway 60 in Huntsville following the weather system that hammered the region.

Penny Clark spent days trapped in her trailer without heat or water. She was rescued by Andrew Sommerville, who saw her desperate calls for help online.

“We jumped on the back of the OPP skidoo’s, got down to the end of the road, Andrew was there in less than five minutes, shoved us up into his big truck with the heat on,” Clark said.

“She was, ‘thank you,’ and hugs and tears, and it actually made me cry a bit,” Sommerville recalled.

Bracebridge was also hit hard, receiving 125 centimetres of the white stuff.

“Our roads have been plowed, in some cases twice through, but we have no place to put the snow and with the snow coming in the next 24 hours that’s going to be a challenge for our public works crews,” said Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney.

Maloney said town staff began wellness checks Tuesday afternoon on some of the more isolated residents.

The highway didn’t reopen fully until late Monday night, and while traffic is flowing along Highway 11 once again, police remind motorists to stay alert and in control.

“The OPP reminds motorists to ensure they are prepared for any situation by driving appropriately for the road and weather conditions,” the service stated.

Police urge motorists to keep an emergency kit in their vehicles, make sure to have sufficient fuel, and plan ahead by checking weather and road conditions.

“Motorists who find themselves stranded on roads are encouraged to remain calm, stay in their vehicle and consider pooling vehicle resources until the OPP and other rescuers are able to reach their location,” OPP noted.

While Muskoka works to recover from the storm, police say emergency services are actively working to provide essential resources to residents.

Early Tuesday afternoon Hydro One confirmed power was back on to nearly 200,000 residents, with roughly 5,000 still in the dark.

“Please be aware that the Huntsville area is expected to receive a significant snowfall between this evening, December 3, 2024, and December 6, 2024. The OPP is urging the public to avoid non-essential travel during this time," OPP said.

Anyone in a life-threatening situation should call 911, for all other non-emergency matters, call OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

With files from CTV's Rob Cooper