London schools closed, city initiates extreme temperature protocol due to storm
With a winter storm slated to batter the London, Ont. region on Friday and into the holiday weekend, local agencies are shedding light on how the storm will impact operations and are offering advice on how Londoners can stay safe.
Schools across region to close Friday
The holidays will start one day earlier for London students because of the extreme weather conditions expected for the region.
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) will close schools Friday, advising kids and staff to stay home.
In the Midwest, the Bluewater District School Board and Avon Maitland District School Board are also closing schools as a precaution as well.
On-site childcare centres, before/after school programs, and remote learning will be shut down, according to a TVDSB statement.
“This decision was made early,” reads a statement from the LDCSB, “in order to give families time to prepare, and most importantly, in the best interest of everyone’s safety.”
City initiates extreme temperature protocol
The city is opening up spaces for people to warm up Friday, as part of its extreme temperature protocol.
At times, it is expected to feel like -25 C with the wind chill. Therefore, the city is opening warming centres at multiple arenas Friday, plus public library branches Friday and Saturday.
- Stronach Arena (1221 Sanford Street) from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Medway Arena (119 Sherwood Forest Square) 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Earl Nichols Arena (799 Homeview Road) 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Public library branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, as well as 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
“Avoid travel if you can’: Paramedics
The extreme conditions are expected to make driving treacherous in some places over the next two days.
“See snow, go slow,” explained Miranda Bothwell with Middlesex London Paramedic Services.
“If you can avoid travelling, definitely avoid that,” she said. “If you’re driving, if you’re out walking, if you’re shovelling, whenever snow is involved, slow everything down.”
The forecast includes heavy blowing snow, strong winds and possible snow squalls, which can make driving dangerous, according to Environment Canada. At times, visibility may be reduced to zero.
“Arrive early and plan extra travel time”: London International Airport
With the busiest travel period of the year upon us, London International Airport said on Twitter that the airport is “fully staffed and prepared for the impending weather.”
The airport advises that travellers confirm their flight status directly with their airline for the most accurate information and updates.
“Please arrive early and plan extra travel time," they wrote on Twitter.
London Transit Commission
In a tweet, the London Transit Commission (LTC) warned riders that service delays might be a possibility with the storm, and ask riders to allow for extra travel time and dress warmly if they must travel.
People can stay up to date with their route’s arrival by visiting the LTC website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.