Effective December 31st at 12:00 pm, the Significant Weather Event (SWE) declared by the Town of Gravenhurst has been lifted on all Town roads. This means Roads crews have now transitioned to cleaning up our road corridors following the multi day event, including scheduled snow removal operations – we ask for your patience while this work is completed, as single lanes may be restricted at times to ensure the area is safe for crews.
Mayor Lorenz would like to remind everyone to continue to be safe as we experience the changes in temperatures and weather systems. The holiday snowstorm brought significant snowfall and a heavy snowpack to Gravenhurst. When warmer weather is experienced quickly, it increases the risk of flooding and icy road conditions. When removing snow, residents are reminded to keep catchbasins and drainage culverts clear. Blocked catchbasins and culverts can cause localized flooding and create hazards, especially when temperatures drop overnight.
Residents are encouraged to drive according to weather conditions, as regardless of the mild temperatures there may be ice and/or snowpack remaining on the roads.
Here are some tips for driving safely in these conditions:
- Slow down: Reduce your speed and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. This will give you more time to react to any hazards or slippery spots on the road.
- Use your brakes carefully: Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause your car to skid. Instead, pump the brakes gently to slow down.
- Stay alert: Keep an eye out for black ice, a thin layer of ice that can be difficult to see on the road – and usually looks just like bare pavement. Be careful when driving over bridges and overpasses, as these areas tend to freeze first.
- Keep a safe following distance. In the winter, leave plenty of space between you and the cars around you.
- Keep your headlights on: Make sure your headlights are turned on so that other drivers can see you.
- Pay attention to snow-packed and sanded roads; these will be especially susceptible to becoming icy.
- Be reminded that bridges, overpasses and shaded areas can ice quickly.
- Monitor the forecast – prepare for a temperature drop and a risk of flooding. These conditions can also cause potholes to form quickly – drive slowly and keep an eye on the conditions.