OPP and Municipal officials across Muskoka are urging patience, as the district digs out from an epic snow storm. Residents in areas affected by the huge snow dump, were being asked to stay put on Monday.
The town of Gravenhurst remains under a state of emergency.
The town is reminding people to avoid travel by foot or car. Emergency services are limited, and in some instances, might not be able to respond. Snow removal crews are doing their best, but the work is being hampered by downed trees and power lines, and vehicles that are blocking routes. The Centennial Centre is open for people need shelter. The town is also asking residents to check on their neighbours.
All schools in Muskoka are closed. There will be no buses Monday, and child care centres in the schools are closed as well. The Muskoka Campus of Georgian College is also closed Monday.
Thousands of residents through the district remain without power. As of Monday morning, Hydro One reported about 19 thousand customers without electricity.
Highway 11 remains blocked between Orillia and Huntsville in both directions. OPP say obstructions have been removed, and heavy equipment is working on clearing the snow. But several other roads are now blocked because motorists have been directed by their GPS onto alternate routes, and they’ve become stuck.
Tractor trailer drivers are asked to use Highway 400 or Highway 35 to bypass the snow bound area.
All curbside trash and recycling collection scheduled for Monday in Muskoka has been cancelled.
#OPP urging the public to stay home in the impacted area and avoid traveling. GPS detours redirected vehicles onto alternate routes to bypass the #Hwy closure, but this has led to Cooper’s Falls Rd & Houseys Rapids Rd becoming impassable as several vehicles are now stuck.
1/5 pic.twitter.com/un7XBJzDJ1— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) December 2, 2024
Your #OPPSAVE team traveled to Bracebridge to partner with the #CentralRegionOPP SAVE team to assist the #Muskoka area recover from a significant snowfall event. The operation is ongoing, with both teams spending long hours, ensuring everyone is safe. ^sm pic.twitter.com/HD8Oh3Hku1
— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) December 2, 2024
The #OPP is aware that horses and livestock trucks have been stranded in the snow on #Hwy11. Please be assured that OPP escorted these trucks off the highway and have provided hay and water to the horses as needed.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/PqeAGDIzHE— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) December 1, 2024
#OPP continues to provide an all-hands-on-deck response to the ongoing snow event. #Hwy11 remains closed between #Hwy60 in Huntsville & West St in Orillia. Many other roads in the area are closed or not driveable. Tractor trailers are asked to use #Hwy35 in the meantime.
1/6 pic.twitter.com/pqDK8fcT3H— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) December 1, 2024