Emergency shelters at the Ridgetown and Tilbury arenas have closed as municipal officials continue to make progress recovering from this weekend’s winter storm.
“Anyone requiring accommodation is asked to contact the municipality’s Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628,” Municipal officials said on Sunday, December 25, 2022.
“Most rural roads have been plowed as have major arterial routes in the community of Chatham. Secondary residential streets in urban areas could take 24 to 48 hours to clear. There are still isolated areas where abandoned vehicles remain along roadways. That factor and the issue of blowing and drifting snow have led officials to urge extreme caution when traveling since some roads remain snow-covered.”
Visit https://511on.ca/ for official Ministry of Transportation road information.
“There are 25 plows working throughout the municipality today,” Municipal officials added.
To follow their progress visit https://chatham-kent.plowtracker.com/
“Individuals whose vehicles have been towed by the Chatham-Kent Police Service can call 519-436-6600 ext. 222 to find the location of their vehicle,” Municipal officials say.
A state of emergency declared on December 24 still exists and the municipality remains under a Significant Snow Event status.
The municipality placed a 72-hour ban on the parking of vehicles on municipal streets and roads which lasts until 2 p.m. on Tuesday. December 27, 2022.
The ban allows more efficient clearing of roads to enable emergency vehicles to have access where needed.
This morning, Chatham-Kent Police Service officials said they are still attempting to clear many roadways as many roadways remain closed.
“There is currently over 150 vehicles stuck in the snow within the Municipality,” police officials said in a media release.
“The Chatham-Kent Police Service is still urging drivers to remain home and not to travel due to the currently weather conditions. If you attempt to travel on the roads the chance of becoming stranded remains very high. Emergency crews will have significant difficulty reaching stranded motorists and there may be delays of several hours.”
The police also offered some winter driving tips.
“Snow on a road may be hard-packed and slippery as ice,” police officials say.
“Or it can be smooth and soft. Wet snow can make for slushy roads. Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer. ”
Police officials added: “Remember to increase your following distance and look ahead as you drive, so you can recognize hazards with plenty time to respond. Consider purchasing snow tires for your vehicle, they improve traction in the snow.”
The Chatham-Kent Police Service reminds all motorists to drive according to the road and weather conditions.
“Slow down and be prepared before heading out by checking the weather forecast or Ministry of Transportation Traveler Information Service at www.ontario.ca/511 as highway conditions are updated regularly.”
