If you don't have to travel today, you should probably stay indoors.
Orillia and other parts of the region are getting hammered with snow today and there could be lots more on the way.
Local amateur weather watcher David Brain says Orillia has so far received about 24 centimetres of snow. He says we could get upwards of 15-25 centimetres more by Friday morning.
The Orillia OPP is asking people to be wary of the changing and, at times, dangerous road conditions in the area. In addition to heavy snow, a brisk wind is also making driving conditions challenging today.
#OrilliaOPP would like to remind everyone to drive safe, slow down and give plenty of time! For road closure and condition updates visit, https://t.co/p5WQ25g34E For weather and radar warnings visit, https://t.co/1VnFCaieAN
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) January 2, 2025
^dt pic.twitter.com/zsoQUQyJuX
On its social media channels, the City of Orillia announced "crews are out clearing and sanding roads and sidewalks."
A snow squall warning, however, remains in effect and up to 60 centimetres of lake-effect snow could fall in our area.
"Staff will continue to maintain the roads and sidewalks in accordance with our winter control policy throughout this snow event," notes the city's post.
"With snow heavy at times, visibility will be reduced. If you need to venture out today, please stay safe and drive according to weather conditions.
Just a friendly reminder that during winter storms, our amazing road maintenance crews are working day and night to keep our roads safe for all travellers. Let's be patient and drive carefully around the snow removal equipment. Stay safe out there! pic.twitter.com/j75Wg9vz9Z
— Twp. of Oro-Medonte (@TwpOroMedonte) January 2, 2025
Orillia residents are asked to help out crews by not parking on streets or "overhanging" sidewalks. Remember, parking is prohibited on all municipal streets and parking lots between midnight and 7 a.m.
Quick facts about the city's winter control policy:
- With an accumulation of 5 cm or more of snow, arterial, collector, and transit bus roads are cleared first.
- City Transit bus roads, even if they run through local residential and subdivision streets, are a first-priority classification.
- Residential streets are plowed only after snow accumulates in excess of 8 cm. Residential streets are cleared to a snow-packed surface condition.
- With the accumulation of 8 cm or more of snow, designated City sidewalks associated with arterial, collector, City Transit bus routes, and public schools are plowed first. These sidewalks are to be cleared within 48 hours after the end of the winter storm event.
- Residential sidewalks are plowed next. Sidewalks may be plowed to a snow-packed condition.
You can see if your street has been plowed by visiting the city's snowplow tracker.
The Orillia Museum of Art and History closed at 1:30 today due to the storm.
Earlier today, Canada Post issued a red delivery service alert for Barrie and surrounding regions due to inclement weather and snow.
A red alert means we are suspending delivery and not sending our delivery agents out or we are recalling them. Delivery will resume once conditions improve and it’s safe to do so. The safety of our employees is our number one priority.
