The winter storm continues to howl on here in the Quinte region as the area is under a blizzard warning.
After pandemic restrictions, plans for many on Christmas Eve were gathering with loved ones, attending church services, and parties.
However, we’re all back at home again for another reason.. some have dubbed it on Twitter as the “Lake Effect Monster.”
Plans have changed for all of us… due to power outages, cancelled planes and the state of the dangerous roads conditions prompting widespread closures. Those left stranded on roads or are without power have moved to warming centres. The Cramahe arena was full earlier on today, prompting officials encouraging people to go to the Duncan McDonald Arena in Trenton and the Owen Gibb Community Hall on Elizabeth Street. Trenton arena is open until 11 p.m. tonight. The Brighton warming centre will be open for as long as it is required.
Some people in Prince Edward County have compared this winter storm to the one in 1977, that left snowdrifts waist high and a bit. While we wait for more accounts and photos once everyone can safely get out, it’s time for another storm recap.
- Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson is urging everyone to not go out tonight. In his fourth update today, the Mayor adds that “if you do choose to go out there is a strong possibility you’ll get stranded and have to wait many hours to be rescued.” All roads in Prince Edward County remain closed overnight. Plow drivers will be working overnight to clear roads, but there first priority will be assisting the OPP with rescuing a handful of stranded motorists on County roads. Those who are stranded are asked to contact the OPP’s non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. Those waiting in the car with the engine running need to clear the exhaust if it is covered in snow. This will avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. The H.O.P.E Centre in Picton is open as an emergency warming room. The County is asking residents to only walk there and do not drive.
- Along with those in the County, residents are being asked to Shelter In Place in Lennox and Addington, Loyalist Township, Napanee, Stone Mills and Addington Highlands.
- Highway 401 remains closed in both directions between Northumberland County and the Quebec border.
- Wooler Road from Highway 2 to Telephone Road in Quinte West is closed due to snow drifts.
- Belleville Police continue to advise residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and the whiteout conditions continue. The warming centre is open at the old Belleville Police Station.
- VIA Rail has cancelled all trains between Toronto and Ottawa and Toronto and Montreal for Christmas Day. Staff note on Twitter that this is due to a CN train derailment earlier today.
Hydro One continue to deal with scattered power outages across the region. Prince Edward County, Northumberland County, Wallbridge and Norwood remains some of the hardest hit areas. The power in some cases may not be restored until late afternoon on Christmas Day.
Tonight’s forecast from Environment Canada issued today at 3:30 pm:
| Detailed Forecast | |
|---|---|
| Tonight | Flurries. Blizzard near Lake Ontario early this evening. Blowing snow. Local amount 2 to 4 cm. Wind southwest 50 km/h gusting to 80 becoming west 30 gusting to 50 before morning. Temperature steady near minus 4. Wind chill minus 18 this evening and minus 12 overnight. |
| Sun, 25 Dec | Flurries. Local blowing snow. Local amount 5 to 10 cm. Wind west 30 km/h gusting to 60. Temperature steady near minus 4. Wind chill near minus 14. |
| Night | Flurries. Wind west 20 km/h becoming light near midnight. Temperature steady near minus 6. Wind chill near minus 13. |
| Mon, 26 Dec | Cloudy with 60 percent chance of flurries or snow squalls. High minus 3. |
| Night | Cloudy with 60 percent chance of flurries or snow squalls. Low minus 6. |
| Tue, 27 Dec | Cloudy with 40 percent chance of flurries. High minus 3. |
| Night | Cloudy with 60 percent chance of snow. Low minus 4. |
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