Most roads in the hardest hit areas of midwestern Ontario have reopened and most schools in the London area welcomed students back Wednesday after two days of harsh weather kept both closed.

In Huron, Perth, Bruce and Grey Counties most roads reopened after all roads in the region were closed late Monday due to treacherous driving conditions including whiteouts and blowing snow that forced plows off the roads in some areas.

However, OPP are warning that some areas remain very icy and snow-covered with possible drifting snow narrowing roadways.

In Perth and Grey Counties, all roads have reopened.

Roads that remain closed in Huron County as of Wednesday evening include: Provincial Highway 21 (Goderich to Amberley), County Road 22 (Donnybrook Line) from Auburn to Whitechurch and County Road 25 (Blyth Road) from Auburn to Blyth.

On the Bruce Peninsula, all roads have reopened with the exception of Highway 6 just north of Wiarton to Ferndale as crews continue to try to clear snow-covered roads to make it safe for travel.

In southern Bruce County roads that remain closed include: Bruce County Road 10 from Tara to Highway 21, Bruce County Road 15 from Bruce County Road 1 to Tiverton and Highway 21 from Amberley to Port Elgin.

Drivers are reminded that driving on a closed road is an offence that could net you a $110 fine and three demerit points.

Motorists can call 511 or visit www.ontario.ca/trip for updated road conditions on provincial highways. For roads maintained by Grey and Bruce Counties call 1-866-266-5569.

Most schools reopen

In the London area, all schools with the London District Catholic School Board and most schools with the Thames Valley District School Board repened Wednesday after a two-day closure.

However, transportation cancellations forced the closure of a number of schools in nearby counties.

Closed in Elgin County:

  • Aldborough PS
  • New Sarum PS
  • Port Stanley PS
  • South Dorchester PS
  • Southwold PS
  • Sparta PS
  • Summers’ Corners PS

Closed in Middlesex County:

  • Adelaide W.G. MacDonald PS
  • Caradoc North PS
  • Centennial Central PS
  • McGillivray Central PS
  • Medway HS
  • Mosa Central PS
  • Oxbow PS
  • Valleyview PS
  • West Nissouri PS

Closed in Oxford County:

  • East Oxford PS
  • Zorra Highland PS

Transportation was also cancelled for schools with the French-language board outside of Windsor, but the Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence says all schools are open with the exception of Saint-Dominique-Savio in Owen Sound.

All facilities at Western University, Fanshawe College and Westervelt College were also reopened.

Roof safety reminder

For areas that received heavy snowfall, the Huron County Community Emergency Management Coordinator and local fire departments are reminding residents to be aware of extreme snow accumulation on roofs.

A building's ability to handle the weight of ice and snow depends on a number of factors including its design, age, condition, elevation and maintenance during or after a major snow storm.

On average, calculated snow loads are:

  • light/fluffy snow - 3 to 7 pounds per square foot
  • drifted, compacted - 20 pounds per square foot
  • one inch of ice - 5 pounds per square foot
  • one foot of ice - 57 pounds per square foot

With Environment Canada forecasting a significant warming and possible rain or freezing rain in the coming days, homeowners are reminded that ice weighs significantly more than even heavy, wet snow and it is important to prevent ice build-up on roof structures.

The municipality is asking anyone with significant snow buildup on their roof to consider using a 'roof rake' to pull down snow safely or to contact a roofing company for snow removal service.