A winter weather system is forecast to bring widespread snowfall to Southern Ontario on Friday, with Central and Eastern Ontario expected to be most affected. Snowfall totals of 10 to 15 cm are anticipated by the evening hours.
Travel Impacts Expected
The accumulating snow is expected to create demanding travel conditions, particularly during the afternoon commute. Roads could become snow-covered and visibility may be reduced as snowfall rates increase.
School Bus Cancellation Outlook
The timing of the snowfall – expected to begin late morning or early afternoon – introduces uncertainty regarding school bus cancellations. The morning bus run may occur before conditions significantly deteriorate. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for parts of Central and Eastern Ontario, noting the potential for up to 10 cm of snow.
The likelihood of cancellations hinges on whether the special weather statement is upgraded to a snowfall warning before buses begin their routes. A snowfall warning would considerably increase the probability of cancellations.
Cancellation Probabilities
Several school boards have been assigned a cancellation probability based on their location and historical practices. Boards in Peterborough County under the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, North & Central Hastings, North & Central Lennox and Addington, North, Central & South Frontenac under Tri-Board Student Transportation Services, and the Madawaska region under the Renfrew County District School Board are considered a 50 percent chance.
Surrounding regions, including those under Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Northumberland County under the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, the rest of Tri-Board Student Transportation Services, the Upper Canada District School Board, and the remainder of the Renfrew County District School Board, have a 25 percent chance of cancellation.
Dufferin County under the Upper Grand District School Board has been given a slight chance of cancellation due to the possibility of freezing rain in higher elevation areas. Rural school boards in Southwestern Ontario and areas around Lake Simcoe likewise have a low chance of cancellation due to potential fog and icy conditions, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are expected to receive the most snow?
Central and Eastern Ontario are expected to be most affected, with widespread snowfall totals of 10 to 15 cm anticipated.
What is the role of Environment Canada’s weather statement?
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for parts of Central and Eastern Ontario, highlighting the potential for up to 10 cm of snow. An upgrade to a snowfall warning would likely increase the chance of school bus cancellations.
Which school boards are most likely to cancel buses?
Boards in Peterborough County, North & Central Hastings, North & Central Lennox and Addington, North, Central & South Frontenac, and the Madawaska region are considered to have a 50 percent chance of cancellation.
How will you prepare for the potential impacts of this weather system?
