Heavy snow results in multiple collisions in London area Monday
CBC
The London area is getting an unexpectedly heavy blanket of snow, with road conditions continuing to worsen as police respond to multiple collisions across the city and neighbouring counties.
Provincial police say an accumulation of ice pellets topped by a layer of heavy snow has delivered unexpectedly messy and slippery conditions for commuters.
"The snow came in with a vengeance and it accumulated quickly," said OPP Constable Jeff Hare, from the scene of a collision cleanup at Nairn Road and Petty Street in north Middlesex. "We're seeing a lot of surprised drivers. We did not anticipate the snow coming in."
Environment Canada is also warning Londoners of freezing rain and strong winds into the night.
"Certainly there will be icy conditions so the commute home will be impacted," said Geoff Coulson, meteorologist with Environment Canada.
The weather agency is predicting up to 5 mm of ice accumulation. High southeast winds will gust up to 70 km/hr.
Flights at the London International Airport were being cancelled Monday afternoon, with the airport authority telling people to check the website before leaving home.
The warning is in effect for the London - Parkhill - Eastern Middlesex County areas.
"I'm a truck driver so I've seen it all," said Jas Bhatti, who had pulled off the 401 at the Flying J outside of London Monday evening. "Just be visible, be vigilant and drive according to the conditions."
Last week, a winter storm led to school closures and cancellations of flights and bus routes.
It also downed 19 hydro poles on the eastern edge of St. Thomas.