The powerful winter storm that hit the region Friday, causing numerous motor vehicle crashes and leaving hundreds of people stranded, has prompted the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to declare a state of emergency.
Although visibility has improved, road conditions continue to be a significant challenge due to high winds, drifting snow, and abandoned vehicles on roads, stated a municipal media release issued Saturday morning.
“Chatham-Kent Police Service is strongly advising the public to stay off the roads to allow municipal plows and tow trucks the opportunity to clear vehicles that are making roads impassable,” municipal officials said.
Later Saturday morning, Chatham-Kent issued a media release “urging everyone in the municipality to remain home today and to avoid travel.
“Road conditions continue to be extremely dangerous due to blowing an drifting snow,” police added. “If you attempt to travel on the roads the chance of becoming stranded remains very high.”
Police noted emergency crews will have significant difficulty reaching stranded motorists and there may be delays of several hours.
“It is understandable that people want to travel to be with family and friends for the holiday, however, your safety should be prioritized at this time” police said. “
“The list of roads that are closed or not passable are far too many to list,” police added.
Police ask the residents to remain in a place of safety.
All municipal services declared closed Friday remain closed including transit and facilities.
“Vehicles that were abandoned will begin to be relocated when it is safe to do so,” municipal officials said. “It could take hours, if not days for this situation to be remedied.”
Chatham-Kent police will coordinate with municipal staff and those looking for information on their vehicles are asked to call 3-1-1.
Warming centers continue to be open at the Ridgetown and Tilbury arenas.