Snow Squalls and Extreme Cold Trigger School Bus Cancellations Across Central Ontario

Snow Squalls and Extreme Cold Trigger School Bus Cancellations Across Central Ontario

Snow Squalls and Extreme Cold Trigger School Bus Cancellations Across Central Ontario

In the past few days, central Ontario has been experiencing severe weather conditions, which are continuing to cause disruptions, especially for families relying on school buses. As snow squalls linger across regions such as the Bruce Peninsula and Parry Sound, many school buses are expected to remain off the roads, making this the third consecutive day of cancellations in some areas.

The heavy snow and near-zero visibility caused by these squalls have made travel conditions extremely dangerous. Parents and students in affected regions are advised to remain updated on the status of school bus services. The heavy snow is compounded by bitterly cold temperatures, creating a hazardous environment for bus operators to safely transport children to and from school.

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For those living in Southwestern Ontario, including the Golden Horseshoe, the coldest night of the year is anticipated. Wind chills are forecasted to dip between -30°C and -35°C, prompting Environment Canada to issue widespread Extreme Cold Warnings. However, school boards typically cancel buses only when wind chills reach -40°C, so the current temperatures are unlikely to trigger widespread cancellations, though there is still a slight chance if conditions worsen unexpectedly.

In the regions most affected, school boards are bracing for potential disruptions. Areas like the Near North District School Board and parts of the Trillium Lakelands District School Board in North Muskoka are facing almost certain cancellations, with chances as high as 90%. Further south, regions such as Southampton and Owen Sound also have a significant chance of cancellations, ranging from 50% to 75%. While places like Haliburton and parts of Simcoe County face a lower chance, parents are still encouraged to stay vigilant.

While the likelihood of cancellations is high in some areas, it’s important to note that school boards, bus companies, and local authorities ultimately decide whether buses are running. This means that, even though the weather conditions suggest a snow day, it's up to the decision-makers in the region to assess the risks and make a final call. Parents should check for updates regularly to ensure the safety of their children.

For those in southern Ontario, the chance of school bus cancellations remains relatively low, with fewer than 10% of buses expected to be impacted. However, residents should be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions as the squalls continue to shift across the province. Given the severity of the current storm systems, it's always best to stay prepared and have a backup plan in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.

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