Schools closed for a 2nd snow day as area digs out after blizzard
The area saw a week-long blast of winter weather
It's another snow day for students young and old as the London area shakes off the week's final heap of heavy snow.
The London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), as well as the French Viamonde board have closed all their schools and buildings. Western University said its exams and in person classes are also cancelled, or moved online. Fanshawe College also said in an email to its community members that its buildings are closed for the day.
Environment Canada meteorologist Shem Willie said the area saw up to 27 centimetres of snow over the past 24 hours.
"The lakes are pretty warm for this time of year, and then we have the cold air," said Willie. "We had snow squalls off Lake Huron that developed and moved over the area. So basically all the snow you've been experiencing is from the lake effect snow squalls."
Another 5 to 10 centimetres of snow is possible throughout the day before squalls finally taper off in the evening. Warmer temperatures and rain are forecast for next week.
In-person classes and exams are cancelled or moved online where possible, Western University said in a statement.
Schools were also closed Thursday as the storm initially picked up, creating havoc on the roads inside and outside of London.
In support of Thames Valley’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all staff and students, ALL Thames Valley schools, Education and Distribution Centres will be closed today due to inclement weather. <br>For more information visit: <a href="https://t.co/rHAbB0g0aW">https://t.co/rHAbB0g0aW</a> <a href="https://t.co/ODrTLRwWjM">pic.twitter.com/ODrTLRwWjM</a>
—@TVDSBPeople in London's Woodfield neighbourhood were out shovelling and snow blowing early in the morning, with several of them saying that they haven't seen so much snow in years.
"Now that it's kind of calm out and there's no more flurries, I thought now would be a good time to tackle it," said Rob Hanson, who started shovelling outside his home just after 8:30 a.m.
He said he didn't think so much snow would arrive this week.
"Based on what November looked like, the leaves took forever to drop and it just didn't look like winter was coming, and then over the course of a couple days it completely arrived," Hanson said.
"I mean, it is Canada, so it's definitely expected," he added.