Police respond to multiple crashes as whiteout conditions impact travel

Multiple collision investigations were launched on Thursday afternoon as drivers around Waterloo Region experienced whiteout conditions due to blowing snow.

While no weather alerts were in effect locally, intermittent flurries and strong wind gusts impacted visibility on roads at times.

In less than an hour, Waterloo regional police announced three separate collision investigations in local townships.

One was on Line 86 in Wellesley between Chalmers Forest Road and Wellington Road 11. Police said four vehicles were involved, including two transport trucks, and injuries were reported.

Another crash occurred at Cedar Creek Road and Trussler Road in North Dumfries, while a third was reported on Arthur Street South in Elmira in the Listowel Road area.

Then, around 4 p.m., police confirmed that Fischer-Hallman Road was closed between Wallaceton Way and Huron Road in Kitchener due to a crash.

Callers to 570 NewsRadio said the afternoon commute was challenging on many regional roads with wind-whipping snow, with some drivers barely able to see lane lines.

Police posted an advisory on social media, which said, “We are currently responding to an increase in calls for service due to snow and wind conditions across the region. Motorists are reminded to drive with increased caution and remain alert while travelling today. Reduced visibility is expected, particularly in rural areas.”

Snow events

Both the City of Waterloo and Township of Woolwich extended their snow events; Waterloo’s on-street parking ban will stay in place until Friday at 9 p.m. while Woolwich Township’s will expire Friday at 11:59 p.m.

Wellesley’s snow event was also extended by another 24 hours and is now set to end Friday at 11:59 p.m.

The City of Cambridge enacted its snow event as of 7 a.m. Thursday and doesn’t expect to lift it until Saturday at noon.

Meanwhile, a parking ban will take effect in Wilmot as of 12 a.m. Friday.

The City of Kitchener however ended its snow event as of 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Weekend forecast

It’s already been a difficult winter due to hefty snowfall and another major storm could move in on Sunday.

Rob Kuhn with Environment Canada phoned into The Mike Farwell Show on Thursday and said there’s still uncertainty around the system, but it could be capable of producing 25 to 30 cm.

Even if there’s little to no snow on Sunday, strong winds will still likely lead to blowing and drifting snow.

The coldest air of the season is also expected to move in this weekend.