Simcoe County digging out after another blast from Mother Nature

Here are the stories we’re covering for CTV News at 6 on Thurs. Feb 13

Simcoe County residents are struggling to keep up after a second major snowstorm buried the region in less than a week.

Snowbanks are piling up on front lawns and sidewalks, leaving many wondering where to put all this snow.

“It’s been nonstop shovelling -like almost every day,” said Orillia resident Neil McAllister. “Some days we’re out three or four times in a day.”

It’s been a season unlike the last few years, with Environment Canada noting the region has had snow on 75 per cent of days this winter already.

Snow removal contractors have been working around the clock to clear roads, driveways, and sidewalks while preparing for the next round of snowfall.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and by far this is the most amount of snow we’ve had to deal with. I think this is our 43rd run,” said one contractor to CTV News.

In Barrie, some private contractors say they have been working 16-hour shifts to keep up as snow squalls and blowing snow continue to sweep through the city.

“The boys are tired, but, [I’m] proud of them. They’re sticking through it. And hopefully we get a bit of rest, and then we just keep going round and round and round until we get back to perfect again,” said Matt Van Velzen with Snow Valley Landscaping and Property Services Ltd.

Snow clearing companies ask home and property owners to be patient as they catch up and give them space while they work to clear this latest snowfall.

Weather Alerts

A snow squall warning remains in effect, with local snowfall accumulation of 20 to 40cm expected and peak snowfall rates reaching up to five cm per hour. Poor to near-zero visibility is expected in heavy and blowing snow.

Environment Canada’s warning is in place through Friday afternoon as snow squalls move off Georgian Bay. Conditions are expected to vary considerably, with sudden shifts from clear skies to heavy snow within a few kilometres.

A blowing snow advisory is also in effect, with snow drifts impacting travel. Wind gusts up to 60 km/h will persist into the night before gradually weakening Friday morning.

Officials continue to urge motorists to avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve. OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said officers attended 120 collisions during the snowstorm and found another 125 vehicles stuck in ditches.

“Road conditions and weather conditions don’t cause crashes. It’s people making bad decisions in those conditions,” Schmidt stated.

With files from CTV’s Kim Phillips