OPP called to over 50 crashes across southwestern Ontario as winter storm strikes

Ontario Provincial Police say they've responded to more than 50 crashes across the southwestern region since Sunday morning.

Police are warning people in the London area to stay home Sunday as a low pressure system from the United States passes through, bringing with it a major winter storm.

"We've responded to 57 crashes and counting since 8 a.m.," West Region OPP's Sgt. Ed Sanchuk, told CBC News Sunday evening. "Roadways are still covered, they're slick and slippery."

Environment Canada placed London under a yellow snowfall warning, with snow totals expected to reach between 10 to 15 centimetres before easing off later in the night. Daytime temperatures will dip to near -23 C with wind chill, said meteorologist Samantha Mauti.

"We're expecting snow to be heavy at times through the day today and into the evening. Through the evening, we are expecting the intensity of the snow to ease up a little bit, but that's probably just a little bit before midnight," she said.

"But snow is expected to end early tomorrow morning."

A yellow warning is typically the least severe and includes moderate impacts which are localized and short-term. Officials are warning that hazardous weather can cause disruptions and are asking drivers to be careful on the roads.

Ontario Provincial Police in the West Region are also urging that residents don't travel unless they absolutely have to.

"You might want to just stay off the roadways and stay home where you're going to be safe," Sanchuk said in a video posted to X earlier in the day.

For those who are travelling, Sanchuk suggests drivers keep their headlights on, drive according to weather conditions and stock up on gas and washer fluid. He said drivers need to be prepared for any unexpected changes.

"With the blowing snow, you may run into whiteout conditions and zero visibility," he said, adding that drivers should follow detours if they come across a closed roadway to ensure everyone's safety.

Mauti also cautioned of the risks of blowing snow amid intense winds which will be gusting around 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, she said. There are possibilities of flurries and snow squalls continuing from Monday morning into the afternoon, she added.

At London International Airport, several flights to and from cities including Toronto and Calgary have been cancelled or delayed due to the weather.

Other parts of the province are grappling with heavier snowfall, including Toronto and the GTA, which are under a more severe, orange warning. The storm has forced Toronto's Pearson and Billy Bishop airports to cancel more than half of their flights on Sunday.