Photo courtesy of the OPP via Twitter.Photo courtesy of the OPP via Twitter.
London

Snow Squalls Continue To Pummel Strathroy Area

Snow squalls and blowing snow that forced the closure of Hwy. 402 and left motorists stranded on back roads led to a Strathroy arena being transformed into an emergency shelter.

More than 60 people were housed overnight Thursday at the Gemini Sportsplex.

"We had all of our cots set up so they were warm and cosy, we had the Salvation Army there, Dominos pizza came out so there was lots of food, and our staff was there so whatever was required for the evening was there," said Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden.

The decision to open the doors of the sportsplex was made in the afternoon by the municipality.

"It became apparent throughout the day that the weather was getting worse... a lot of people were being stranded over at the Tim Hortons just off the 402," said Vanderheyden, who was at the helm of the municipality during Snowmageddon in 2010. "So with the 402 closing, Hwy. 81 had some crashes that closed it for a little while, people were coming off Watford Rd., people were congregating at the Tim Hortons and when it becomes apparent they were going to be there for the long run we decided to support them over at the Gemini."

While only eight people remained at the sportsplex Friday morning, Vanderheyden said it will remain open as a warming centre "until it is no longer needed."

Hwy. 402 between Hwy. 401 in London and Nauvoo Rd. in Lambton County was still closed as of noon on Friday as the area continued to get hammered by lake-effect squalls. Secondary routes saw several collisions, but none resulting in serious injury.

"We are suggesting if you don't have to go out, don't," said Strathroy-Caradoc Police Constable Mark Thuss. "Our plow operators have been doing their jobs trying to clear the roads but it is still snowing and blowing out there, we have a significant amount of snow, and the back roads are especially dangerous with the drifting snow."

Anyone who does choose to hit the road is advised to allow themselves plenty of extra time to get where they are going, take it slow, and leave extra space between their vehicle and the one in front of them. Drivers who become stranded in the frigid, snowy conditions can call 911 for assistance.

London-Middlesex, Sarnia-Lambton, and Huron-Perth remain under a snow squall warning from Environment Canada. Up to 40cm of snow, in addition to what has already accumulated, could fall by Saturday night.

Bone-chilling temperatures coupled with the windchill that prompted an extreme cold warning for all of southwestern Ontario will see daytime highs and evening lows feeling like -30 C.

The Middlesex London Health Unit has extended its Cold Weather Alert for the area until Monday.

“After some bitterly cold weather this past week, our region will continue to experience frigid winter temperatures over the weekend,” said Randy Walker, a public health inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “At these temperatures, the cold can damage exposed skin in a matter of a few minutes, so it is important to cover up and to dress in layers. It’s also very smart to wear a hat and insulated gloves or mittens as body heat is lost through our heads and extremities.”

More seasonal temperatures are expected to return on Monday.

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