Morning crash closes 402 as icy roads see rural school buses cancelled Thursday
Police warned drivers from London to Owen Sound to slow down
Environment Canada issued a flash-freeze warning for the London area and southwestern Ontario Thursday morning causing major issues on roads across the region, including a crash that closed the 402 outside the city limits.
All school buses for Thames Valley and Catholic schools in Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin counties and the Red Zone were also cancelled for the day.
"Ponding water, slush and any falling precipitation will freeze as temperatures drop," the weather agency said in a statement. "Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions."
The message was reinforced by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) who were responding to crashes during the morning commute. In one instance, a tractor trailer jackknifed at the 402 westbound at Wonderland Road, closing the highway at the 401 bypass in both lanes.
ALL school purpose vehicles servicing LDCSB & TVDSB in Middlesex County, Oxford County, Elgin County, and the Red Zone will be CANCELLED for the DAY due to blowing snow and icy road conditions. The City of London will start on schedule. <a href="https://t.co/SAnjolNUca">pic.twitter.com/SAnjolNUca</a>
—@mybigyellowbus"It's one of those things about living in southwestern Ontario. It can go from winter to spring, and spring back to winter. We know that, so please be patient on the roads," Const. Jeff Hare said.
Across the region, police in Perth, Oxford and Huron and Bruce counties were also reporting crashes, with police telling people to drive according to the road conditions.
The roads quickly saw a thin sheet of ice form when temperatures fell below the freezing mark. Walkways and parking were also hazardous for pedestrians. Outside of London, there were reports of whiteouts on rural roads.
A full list of bus cancellations can be found on mybigyellowbus.ca, which oversees school bus operations and cancellations for the Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic School Board.