Blowing snow and road closures continue in southwestern Ontario

Blowing snow hides the roadway near Walkerton, Ont. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. (Scott Miller / CTV London)

Environment Canada is warning of blowing snow late Thursday afternoon in counties surrounding London-Middlesex.

In a special weather statement, Environment Canada says an approaching frontal system from northwestern Ontario will produce winds as strong as 70 km/h in areas including Elgin, Norfolk, Kent and Essex County.

Localized blowing and drifting snow and associated poor visibilities are expected to redevelop Thursday afternoon ahead of the front. Snowfall is expected Thursday evening and will diminish Friday morning.

Motorists are asked to drive according to the road and weather conditions and be prepared for sudden low visibility in areas of blowing snow.

A blowing snow warning is in effect for Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce County and for a sixth day, OPP have closed several roads due to poor visibility.

As of Thursday evening Grey County closures include:

For the full list of road closures in the county please visit the Grey County Road Conditions website.

Bruce County closures include:

For the full list of what is open and what is closed please visit the Bruce County Road Conditions website.

Up-to-date road conditions for provincial highways can be found at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/trip/

OPP are reminding motorists that driving on a closed roadway is an offence that could net them a $110 fine and three demerit points.

Now that the weather has eased somewhat police are also asking residents to check on elderly neighbours to ensure their well-being and if they need assistance with food, fuel, supplies or plowing their driveways.

Return to seasonal norms

Meanwhile the Middlesex-London Health Unit has ended the cold weather alert issued on Jan. 20 that was extended until Friday.

Environment Canada forecasts are calling for temperatures above -15C for the next few days, which is the threshold for an alert.

The health unit is thanking all the agencies and facilities who helped keep people out of the cold during the frigid temperatures.

For the forecast and all the latest watches and warnings from Environment Canada visit: http://london.ctvnews.ca/weather