WELLINGTON COUNTY – With a major storm warning issued by Environment Canada for the province, including the local region, numerous closures have been announced with more expected as the storm progresses, county emergency management officials state.
The major winter storm is expected to begin Friday morning and continue into the weekend, bringing, in some areas, snowfalls anywhere from 15 to 50cm by Sunday.
The storm is also expected to include winds up to 100km/h at times, creating widespread blowing snow and hazardous driving conditions.
A Dec. 22 press release from the county’s emergency manager Heather Wickenheiser advises residents to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight, the press release notes.
“County staff are closely monitoring the storm and will provide updates on Facebook, Twitter, and our website,” said Wickenheiser.
“We’re working with Wellington County OPP and Environment Canada to ensure you get the information you need.”
If required, warming centres will be opened by local municipalities and residents are advised to follow their local municipal website and/or social media accounts for updates and announcements.
The county has already announced the closure of the following county operated child care centres on Dec. 23:
- Child Care and Learning Centre;
- Palmerston Child Care and Learning Centre;
- Wellington Place Child Care and Learning Centre; and
- Mount Forest Child Care and Learning Centre.
