Up to 15 cm of snow expected by end of Friday, drivers and travellers urged to take precautions
CBC
By day's end, Waterloo region may see up to 15 centres of snow on Friday as Ontario faces a winter storm, says Environment Canada, also warning about a challenging evening drive.
Many commuters faced snow on the way to work and while returning home, with poor visibility and near whiteout conditions midmorning and early afternoon.
"Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions.... Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions," Environment Canada's weather advisory said.
"If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. There may be a significant impact on rush hour-traffic in urban areas."
Ontario Provincial Police in Brant closed Highway 24 between Bethel Road and Highway 53 for approximately two hours because of collisions and blowing snow.
Environment Canada expected conditions to improve through the evening.
The website for Toronto's Pearson International Airport noted that with the winter storm forecast, people should check the status of their flights before heading to the airport — especially with heavy passenger volumes expected as March Break begins.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service also reminded people to clear all snow and ice from vehicles, give extra time to reach a destination and slow down.
The forecast called for a high of –2 C Friday. It's expected to drop to –8 C overnight.
It also calls for a high of –1 C on Saturday and overcast conditions. On Sunday, it's expected to be cloudy with a chance of flurries and a high of 0 C.
P.E.I.'s Public Schools Branch is looking for 50 substitute bus drivers, and it'll be recruiting at three job fairs on Saturday, June 8. The job fairs are located at the Atlantic Superstore in Montague, Royalty Crossing in Charlottetown, and the bus parking lot of Three Oaks Senior High in Summerside. All three run from 9 a.m. until noon. Dave Gillis, the director of transportation and risk management for the Public Schools Branch, said the number of substitute drivers they're hiring isn't unusual. "We are always looking for more. Our drivers tend to have an older demographic," he said.