‘I wish it would go away’: Snow returns to region amidst flood watches

With only a week left of winter, snow makes its return to the region following some record-breaking temperatures. Scott Miller reports.

Like many Ontarians, Kevin Bolt was hoping he’d done the last of his snow shoveling.

“I wish it would go away. Tell you the truth, we’ve had enough. It’s time for summer,” said the Lucknow resident.

Heavy, wet snow blanketed most of the region on Friday. With high winds, it was a recipe for blowing snow and tough driving conditions, stretching from London north to Tobermory.

The moisture laden snow just piles on for many in midwestern Ontario who’ve spent this week dealing with flooding. Rod Jones from Lucknow was moving water out of his basement fewer than 24 hours ago.

“Now I’m shoveling snow and debating about getting the snowblower back out again. I haven’t put it away for the winter yet, but hopefully we don’t have to get it out too many more times,” said Jones.

Is the rollercoaster of temperatures and conditions strange for March? No, but it doesn’t mean people have to like it.

“I was ready for spring. It’s been a brutal winter. We keep getting teased with a little bit of spring. It’s not fair,” said Eric and Andrea Smith.

Friday’s snowfall isn’t likely to stick around for long, with double digit temperatures expected for Monday.

But, as March typically goes by, there is snow in the forecast off and on until at least the end of the month.

“I grew up in this when I was a kid. So, it’s kind of come back. I don’t know if it’s a cycle, or if it’s weather Armageddon. I don’t know. I kind of like shoveling, though. I’m semi-retired, and shoveling is a good workout. Better than tai-chi,” said Lucknow resident Walter Nolan.

“It’s great if you’re snowmobiler, which I used to be, now I’m not, so summer can come,” said Bolt.

“We hope it’s not too many more times anyway. And, if it’s going to rain, just gentle rain from now on would be nice too,” added Jones.