Roadways in Perth County have been closed by local police services as snow moves through the region.
In addition to the road closures, Perth County has also declared a Significant Weather Event.
The declaration applies to County roads, but does not apply to local township roads or provincial highways.
“We have seen substantially deteriorating conditions across our road network due to increased snowfall and high winds. Visibility is extremely poor and we want to ensure our plow operators are able to continue their work safely, and this declaration helps us keep everyone safe,” said John McClelland, director of public works, in a prepared statement. “Declaring a Significant Weather Event allows the County to continue road maintenance operations in a safe and responsible manner during severe and hazardous weather. County plows will continue to operate until it is no longer safe to do so.”
Perth South also declared a Significant Weather Event this afternoon.
"The purpose of this declaration is to notify the public that, due to the current and forecasted weather conditions it will be difficult or unachievable to meet the service level timelines specified within the legislated Minimum Maintenance Standards," a release from the Township said.
During the Significant Weather Event the roads are deemed in a state of repair and the timelines required to meet winter maintenance are suspended.
Likewise, the Town of St. Marys has declared a Significant Weather Event as well. In a media release, the Town announced that they are working hard to clear snow, but the severe and unrelenting weather conditions are making it impossible to maintain roads and sidewalks to a minimum standard.
The Town continues to prioritize the clearing of its most travelled roads and reminds residents that side streets may take longer to clear. Residents are asked to postpone any non-essential travel and to use extreme caution if they must travel on local roads.
A blizzard warning remains in place from Environment Canada for much of the area with wind gusts between 90 and 100 km/h possible and snowfall amounts of 25 to 50 cm by Sunday morning.
Some areas could see additional snow accumulation on Sunday as well.
