Extreme cold and snow squall warnings blanket Ontario
No one is calling Wiarton Willie a liar, but since he predicted an early spring on Thursday in Wiarton, Ont. it has not stopped snowing, and the temperature has dropped a whopping 15 degrees.
Those snow squalls and cold temperatures have prompted road closures and school bus cancellations across Bruce, Huron, and Middlesex counties. Even some arenas and pools have been closed because of the nasty weather.
Police are warning people in midwestern Ontario not to travel unless they absolutely have to.
“Hopefully the wind doesn’t pick up any stronger than it is, because that’ll make for even more white out conditions,” said Huron County OPP Const. Craig Soldan.
If that were not enough, it is bone-chilling cold outside too. Frostbite and extreme cold warnings have been issued for much of Ontario.
Snow squalls and extreme cold have paralyzed much of southern and midwestern Ontario on Feb. 3, 2023, including in Wingham, Ont. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
“It’s freezing out, but it’s nice, beautiful. I like it. It’s wintertime. It’s what we get, right,” said Shareen Millman.
“I was actually supposed to be on my way to Goderich, then I saw that Highway 21 was closed, so I’m on my way back home now,” says Mary Tolliverton. “As far as the cold goes, I like it. It’s been too mild a winter, so I don’t mind it for a few weeks,” she said.
This weather is only expected to last for 24 to 48 hours, so while Wiarton Willie’s early spring prediction seems far fetched on Friday, by next week, it may come true, with temperatures back above freezing, and with the potential of rain in the forecast.
“Hopefully it is an early spring. It’s minus 30 with the wind chill, right now, plus four [degrees] or five [degrees] next week, so I’m looking forward to that,” said Steve Himell.
Until then, if you have to travel the next couple of days, prepare yourself before heading out, police caution.
“Make sure your vehicle is full of fuel, cell phone is topped up to 100 per cent. I would toss in a blanket, if you have to head out on the roads. Lots of layers. Some snacks in case get stuck, because it could be a couple of hours before someone can reach you,” said Soldan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man books $7,700 luxury villa on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he was charged more than $7,700 to book a luxury villa on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.