Highway 11 remains Closed due to a Snow Squall Heading Towards Orillia
Highway 11 north of Orillia remained a snowy chaos overnight. Approximately 45 centimeters of fresh snow fell overnight over areas to our north.
This is where tractor trailers are stuck idling on the snowy highway at Washago and beyond. Over 130 centimeters have fallen since Friday night in some areas.
Just before lunch on Saturday, things started to worsen. There were numerous crashes caused by the snow, littering the busy highway.
Roads could not be cleared by snowplows. More snow worsened things. Due to snow-clogged sideroads, traffic backed up.
A road closure was in effect at Washago. A team of towing and emergency crews cleared the cars throughout the day.
A warming center was opened in the Gravenhurst Town Hall late Saturday night for those still stranded. Power outages were thankfully interrupted by generators.
Throughout Saturday night, snow walloped the area. Crews are working to clear the heavy snow, so a reopening isn’t expected quickly.
A state of emergency has been declared in Gravenhurst and the town’s virtual emergency operations center has been activated.
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Officials declared the emergency at 2:30 a.m. local time.
“The community has been overwhelmed with snowfall and Highway 11 has been closed for several days,” the statement said.
Here are the key points from the media release:
- It is often impossible for emergency services to respond.
- Despite downed trees, downed power lines, and vehicles blocking routes, town snowplow crews and contractors continue to clear roads.
- Stay home, the town asks. Avoid walking and driving.
- Do not allow unattended candles or makeshift fires in your home or shelter.
- The town struggles to move vehicles and equipment using provincial Highway 11 in other areas of the municipality. Snow clearing is underway in the province.
- Snow removal in the community is assisted by neighboring municipalities.
- 9-1-1 should be called in an emergency.
Orillia saw about 40 centimeters of snow Saturday, but the northern part got more.
An additional 10-20 centimeters of snow will fall before this morning’s squall moves south. Today is a no-travel day.
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