Morning crash closes 402 as icy roads see rural school buses cancelled Thursday
Environment Canada issued a flash-freeze warning for the London area and southwestern Ontario Thursday morning causing major issues on roads across the region, including a crash that closed the 402 outside the city limits.
All school buses for Thames Valley and Catholic schools in Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin counties and the Red Zone were also cancelled for the day.
"Ponding water, slush and any falling precipitation will freeze as temperatures drop," the weather agency said in a statement. "Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions."
The message was reinforced by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) who were responding to crashes during the morning commute. In one instance, a tractor trailer jackknifed at the 402 westbound at Wonderland Road, closing the highway at the 401 bypass in both lanes.
"It's one of those things about living in southwestern Ontario. It can go from winter to spring, and spring back to winter. We know that, so please be patient on the roads," Const. Jeff Hare said.
Across the region, police in Perth, Oxford and Huron and Bruce counties were also reporting crashes, with police telling people to drive according to the road conditions.
The roads quickly saw a thin sheet of ice form when temperatures fell below the freezing mark. Walkways and parking were also hazardous for pedestrians. Outside of London, there were reports of whiteouts on rural roads.
A full list of bus cancellations can be found on mybigyellowbus.ca, which oversees school bus operations and cancellations for the Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic School Board.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Calgary Herald
an hour ago
- Calgary Herald
Feeling hazy because of the smoke? Here's why
With seasonal wildfire smoke rolling into Calgary, residents often have questions about all the things that come with it. Article content On June 11, Environment Canada issued an air quality warning for Calgary between the AQHI categories of 7 and 10 over the last 24 hours. Article content Article content But what does that mean? How are these measured? And how does it affect the health and safety of Calgarians? Experts from across the province explain how air quality is measured and the risks that come with it. Article content Article content Article content Christy Climenhaga, a scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said that Canada's Air Quality Health Index serves as a way to help evaluate the adverse effects of wildfire smoke. Article content The index itself ranges from one to 10-plus, with different brackets indicating each risk factor. For example, indexes between one to three indicate a low risk, four to six indicate a moderate risk, and seven to 10 indicate a high risk. Article content 'So, the higher the number, the higher the risk,' Climenhaga said. 'When you're looking at seven, eight, nine, you are in that high risk category, while 10 and 10-plus are very high risk in terms of negative health effects from wildfire smoke.' Article content The rating is determined by looking at the fine particulate matter. This matter is also known as PM2.5, which is extremely small particles in the air. It measures around 2.5 micrometers, and cannot be seen by the human eye. Article content Article content Article content Based on their observations, Climenhaga said a number of fires over northern Alberta and B.C. have lofted heavy plumes of smoke into the atmosphere. Additionally, a large and intense plume of smoke that stretches across all of Alberta and Saskatchewan are contributing to the smoke that is arriving in Calgary. Article content 'It's likely going to keep going to be a smoky day today, and we are starting to see some changes in our long-range forecasts, indicating a little smoke on Thursday, then starting to clear out on Friday,' she said.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
'Warmer than normal' summer expected: Environment Canada's Dave Phillips
Environment Canada senior climatologist Dave Phillips says most forecasters are guaranteeing a very hot summer.
Global News
3 hours ago
- Global News
Smoke prompts warnings from Alberta health experts, restrictions on outdoor activities
The smell and taste of smoke hung heavy in the air across much of Alberta Wednesday morning, as wildfires in northern B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan continue to burn, sending a thick blanket of smoke south across most of the province. The air quality health index — which rates air quality on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best and 10 being the worst — was listed as 10+ or 'very high risk' in Lethbridge, Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer on Wednesday morning. View image in full screen The downtown Calgary skyline is obscured by wildfire smoke in this shot from the Global News helicopter Wednesday morning. Global News The heavy smoke prompted Environment Canada to issue Air Quality warnings for most of the province — stretching from Peace River country in the north, south to the border with Montana. Story continues below advertisement The national weather agency warned about spending too much time outside because of the health risk — especially for people who are over the age of 65, infants and young children, people with pre-existing or chronic health conditions, anyone who is pregnant and people who work outdoors. Even those who don't need to spend time outdoors are being advised to keep doors and windows closed as much as possible and consider the use of ventilation system or portable air cleaner to help filter out the smoke particles. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy School boards are also warning that some outdoor events may be cancelled or rescheduled. 1:51 Doctors warn about short, long term impacts of poor air quality from wildfires More information about the dangers of wildfire smoke and how to reduce your health risk is available online at Details on the current air quality health index are also available online at Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen Thick smoke from the wildfires in northern Alberta prompted Environment Canadta to issue air quality warnings for much of the province on Wednesday. Global News As of noon on Wednesday, there were 59 wildfires burning in Alberta, with most of them in the northern part of the province and 23 of them considered out of control. While the fires have been fuelled by some record hot and dry conditions, there could be some relief on the way. 'Right now, Alberta is under a ridge of high pressure,' said Global Edmonton weather specialist Phil Darlington. 'But this ridge is on its way out. We expect less heat through Thursday and Friday.' In Grand Prairie, one of the hardest-hit areas of the province, the forecast high for Wednesday is 22 C — a few degrees above normal — but on Thursday it's supposed to drop to around 15 C, about 5 C below normal. View image in full screen Views of the downtown Edmonton skyline were obscured on Wednesday by thick smoke from wildfires burning in northern Alberta. Global News However, the change in weather could also bring with it a danger of thunderstorms and more lightning-caused fires. Story continues below advertisement 'We are currently seeing fewer thunderstorms, because under a strong area of high pressure it is difficult for storms to develop,' said Darlington. 'A high acts like a pot lid, keeping the steam (moisture) low down. If that lid is removed, the moisture can rise and develop clouds from which storms can form. With the ridge moving out later this week there is a chance of rain and thunderstorms returning. 'After a hot spell like the one currently being experienced, the potential for thunderstorms with severity are more likely.'
