Cancellations among storm’s ice, wind and rain

(UPDATED) Cancellations and warnings are coming in as the region saw  snow, ice pellets, wind gusts, and freezing rain overnight.

Though the lower end of Prince Edward County escaped heavy snow, the region and surrounding area remain under a snowfall warning for Thursday morning, but a special weather statement remains as wind gusts, up to 80 km/h can be expected this afternoon. Belleville and Napanee have declared significant weather events and multiple accidents have been reported on the 401 corridor.

Friday looks like a mix of sun and cloud. Another round of snow is forecast for Saturday.

Officials with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board say schools are open, though buses are cancelled. Loyalist College  campuses in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, and Tyendinaga are closed. While buildings remain accessible, in-person classes are suspended.

The South East Health Unit (formerly Hastings Prince Edward Health Unit) offices are closed and all clinics are cancelled for Thursday.

The Community Care office at 74A King Street is closed on Thursday due to the weather. Staff are working from home offices and calls are still being answered. Some late morning and afternoon programming may still go ahead, depending on the weather. Call the office at 613-476-7493 for more information.

OPP East Region is advising people to postpone or cancel non-essential travel.

For those who have to be on the roads:
– Check 511on.ca or local media for road conditions or closures
– Ensure your fuel tank is full, top up your windshield washer fluid and have an emergency travel kit (food, blanket, candle, extra cell phone battery) in case you are stranded or stuck.
– Clear snow from your entire vehicle, including and head and tail lights. Do a circle check of your vehicle whenever you stop as snow will accumulate and obscure your brake and tail lights
– SLOW DOWN, leave extra space, keep your eyes on the road ahead
– Make sure your full lighting system on. Don’t assume that you will automatically have lights. Your lights can help to ensure other drivers can see you.