Chatham-Kent declares state of emergency following Friday snowstorm

A state of emergency has been declared in Chatham-Kent following a wicked snowstorm that tore through the region on Friday, causing multiple car accidents and leaving hundreds of people stranded.

In a press release from the municipality of Chatham-Kent, a state of emergency has been declared for the region following the snowstorm that battered the region on Friday, and caused multiple car accidents and left hundreds of people stranded.

The municipality said that even though visibility has improved, “road conditions continue to be a significant challenge due to high winds, drifting snow, and abandoned vehicles on roads.”

Therefore the Chatham-Kent Police Service is “strongly advising” the public to stay off the roads to allow for snowplows and tow trucks to clear impacted roads.

Early Saturday afternoon, the municipality announced that a parking ban is now in effect for the next 72 hours, meaning that vehicles are banned from parking on municipal streets and roads. The ban is in effect from Saturday until 2 p.m. on Dec. 27. 

“We are asking motorists to make every effort to move their vehicles off the streets so that the plows can clear the roads more effectively,” said Ryan Brown, director of Public Works in the release. “We recognize that this is an inconvenience, but there are no other options. Emergency vehicles, citizens, and local businesses all depend on these streets being cleared as quickly as possible. The order will be rescinded as soon as road conditions warrant it to limit the inconvenience to residents.”

The municipality also said all municipal services declared closed on Friday remain closed on Saturday, including transit and facilities.

Vehicles that were abandoned during the snowstorm will be relocated when safe to do so, but the municipality warns, “It could take hours, if not days for this situation to be remedied.”

Chatham-Kent police will coordinate with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and people looking for information on their vehicles are asked to call 3-1-1.

Warming centres will also remain open at the Ridgetown and Tilbury Arenas. 

In addition, OPP West Region tweeted late Saturday morning that Highway 401 from Tilbury to Putnam Road remains closed due to inclement weather and hazardous driving conditions.