STORMWATCH - April 1, 2025
WEATHER
Special Weather Statement - Freezing rain, followed by significant rainfall Wednesday morning through early Thursday morning. Freezing rain with ice accretion of 2 to 5 mm on some surfaces. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy, slippery and hazardous. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break. Rain, at times heavy. Total rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm. Locally higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
This freezing rain event will not be nearly as significant as the ice storm from this past weekend.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
Some schools will re-open today, but others will be closed due to power outages
SIMCOE COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD - Schools in the central and north zones will remain closed on Tuesday. This includes Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, Elmvale, Midland, Penetanguishene, and Orillia. Additionally, Clearview Meadows Elementary School and Stayner Collegiate Institute will also remain closed today. All other public schools will be open to students, along with before and after programs.
SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD - Schools will remain closed Tuesday in Bracebridge, Huntsville, Midland, Penetanguishene, Orillia, Ramara, Elmvale, Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, and St. Noel Chabanel in Wasaga Beach. Schools in the south zone, Bradford, Tottenham, Alliston, and Collingwood will reopen Tuesday to students and staff.
TRILLIUM LAKELANDS DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD - Schools in Muskoka, Haliburton and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Trillium Lakelands District School Board, which encompasses Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Muskoka, posted to social media that schools would remain closed.
GEORGIAN COLLEGE Campuses are closed and in-person classes cancelled in Muskoka and Orillia. Students are encouraged to check Blackboard if able for any course updates and guidance. The Georgian Drive and downtown Barrie campuses, along with the Career and Employment Community Services on Collier Street will reopen for classes - as will campuses in Midland, Orangeville and Edelbrock Centre, Owen Sound, and south Georgian Bay
LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY - All in-person classes at Lakehead University's Orillia Campus have been cancelled today. Online classes, tests and exams will continue as scheduled unless otherwise noted, recognizing that many will still not have access to the internet, power, and other services, and not everyone will be able to be online.. The campus remains open.
COMMUNITY CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES:
Orillia City Transit has cancelled service for Tuesday, April 1st.
Hospice Orillia’s Therapeutic Arts Group scheduled for today (April 1st) has been postponed.
The office of Dr Sochaniwskyj will be closed today. Office staff will contact Patients when they are able to do so to reschedule the appts that have been missed from the closure.
All public parks in Orillia are closed until further notice. The storm has caused extensive damage, with many downed and unstable trees, and are unsafe to enter at this time.
TRAFFIC:
Central Region OPP say there are 38 road closures in place due to downed trees and power lines. If the road is barricaded, it is closed and motorists are asked to find an alternate route.
If you have a cancellation or closure, or update on the roads or driving conditions - pass it on by calling our studio at 705-792-2000. Or text us at 54321. Standard message and data rates may apply.