Old Man Winter has hit with a wallop today, so local police are reminding drivers to be aware of changing weather and road conditions.
“If you don’t have to make any unnecessary trips away from your home, then stay where you are until the weather conditions improve. Any unnecessary travel can always be rescheduled to a later time,” said Peter Leon, communications co-ordinator for Barrie police.
With significant snowfall in the forecast, as well as lake-effect snow-squall warnings being issued by Environment Canada, visibility can be suddenly reduced to close to zero, while rapidly accumulating snow can make travel difficult.
“The No. 1 rule with weather like this is, because it is in the forecast, we know it’s all around us, these conditions can change very quickly and you have to drive according to the conditions you are experiencing,” Leon said.
“The conditions are changing as we speak, so (drivers) should give themselves plenty of time," he added. "If they see the weather is bad while they are warming up their vehicle and cleaning all of the windows of any snow, call ahead and just let your loved ones know that you are on your way, the weather is bad and that you’re just taking (their) time to get there safely."
If it takes 10 or 15 minutes longer to get there, Leon said it’s about getting there — and back —safely.
Happening right now - 3:30pm Jan 2, '25.
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) January 2, 2025
Winter driving conditions not far from the GTA.
Drive safe and take care.https://t.co/VmGNi0hMut ^ks pic.twitter.com/DvRRDQaHGh
