Blizzard conditions across midwestern Ontario

Blizzard conditions pummeled midwestern Ontario Monday, ending 2025 with a bang. CTV’s Scott Miller reports.

Winds nearing 70 to 80 km/h coupled with an Arctic cold front and low-pressure system brought sustained blowing snow and snowsqualls to much of midwestern Ontario on Monday.

“Just asking the motorists out traveling today, to take some extra time. Leave earlier to get to your destination, and just drive slower in these snowy conditions,” said Const. Kody Lyons of the Grey-Bruce OPP.

Some roads in Bruce and Perth counties started to close due to the treacherous driving conditions over the noon hour, with more road closures expected throughout the day and night as snow and wind continue to pelt the region.

“It just doesn’t end. It’s horrible,” said Emery Slessor from Wingham.

If the main roads weren’t rough enough, some side or gravel roads were skating rinks Monday morning following a flash freeze overnight. Police are warning drivers that staying home is the best option.

“If you don’t need to leave home, we know that you’ll be safe in your living room, so please stay there. But, if you do have to travel, just prepare for that. Have the kit that we always talk about. A charged cell phone, a full tank of gas, warm clothing, blankets, things like that. Just in case you get caught out there in the cold weather, and you’ve got to sit somewhere for hours waiting for a tow,” said Const. Craig Soldan of the Huron County OPP.

While the winds are expected to subside by Tuesday morning, midwestern Ontario will likely be hit with a second and third round of snow coming off of Lake Huron on Tuesday and Wednesday, with another 25 to 50 centimeters by mid-week.

“This is quite a winter. Yeah. The accumulation so quickly is just…overwhelming sometimes,” said Sydney Wettlaufer of Clinton.

Hydro outages and more road closures are likely as conditions deteriorate throughout the day, say weather officials.

Most municipalities in midwestern Ontario have declared significant weather events, as they try struggle to keep up with the worsening weather conditions.

“For road closures, you can check out the Municipal 511 website and continue to follow our social media websites here in West Region. Just asking everybody to drive safely today, if you have to get out in these snowy conditions,” said Lyons.

Municipal 511 is one of the best resources to find out what roads are open, and what’s closed across Ontario.