Sarnia-Lambton residents are digging out from the latest blast of winter weather.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Gerald Cheng said snowfall accumulations varied across the region Thursday, but about 14 centimetres, or 5.5 inches, fell in the city and was blown around by gusty northerly winds.
"The winds got up to 72 kilometres per hour, so with the freshly fallen snow plus winds, it's not quite damaging yet, usually when we get to 80 kilometres an hour that's when we hear about power outages," said Cheng. "But, 70 kilometres per hour, that's certainly enough to blow freshly fallen snow around to reduce the visibility on the roads."
The freezing rain, snow, and blowing snow led to various closures along Highway 402 Thursday night, after numerous vehicles slid into the ditch. Friday morning OPP had sections of the highway closed again in the Watford and Strathroy areas due to poor driving conditions.
Cheng said we can expect another system to move through the region.
"Just when you think this is over, well there is another system on the way," an Alberta clipper," he said. So we will get a quick shot of snow especially Friday night into Saturday. This is not a lot of snow, two centimetres, so compared to the system that has just left it's very little."
The city of Sarnia declared a significant weather event Thursday due to the substantial snow accumulation and ice formation on city streets, reminding residents to avoid parking on the road to allow for snow removal.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves
