Township of Severn declares Significant Weather Event on December 28

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions that may pose a risk to public safety, the Township of Severn has declared a Significant Weather Event under Regulation 239/02 of the Municipal Act. 

Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Alert for Severn and surrounding areas. Freezing rain is expected to begin the afternoon of December 28 and continue overnight, possibly changing to rain Monday morning as temperatures rise slightly above freezing.

Potential impacts:

• ice accumulation of 4 to 8 mm
• prolonged power outages
• property damage, including trees and structures

Please monitor Environment Canada for updates.

During a Significant Weather Event, all roadways and sidewalks are considered to be in a state of repair and may be unsafe to use. This declaration is not necessarily a notice of a reduced level of service or a road closure. The declaration is to notify the public that due to the current and forecasted conditions, caution should be used if travel is necessary, and that it may take longer than usual to bring the condition of the roads to a state of repair. Please avoid any unnecessary travel, and if you must travel, please use extra caution.

This declaration will remain in effect until further notice. Updates will be provided when the event is lifted through:

• posting a cancellation notice on our website
• sharing the cancellation on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram)

Be prepared

Power outages are possible.

Residents should:

• charge devices in advance
• ensure vehicles have enough fuel
• have an emergency kit ready, including:
• flashlight and extra batteries
• battery-powered or wind-up radio
• first aid kit
• portable charger for electronics
• water (two litres per person per day)
• non-perishable food and manual can opener
• blankets, candles, matches
• cash (in case electronic payments are unavailable)
• emergency contact list

Safety reminders

Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines. They may still be energized and dangerous.
Report downed lines to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235, or text 'outage' to 92887 (WATTS). For outage updates and safety tips, visit hydroone.com/power-outages-and-safety.

Generator safety tips 

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide and fire hazards, always place generators at least 20 feet from your home and away from doors, windows, and vents. Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Ensure proper ventilation by maintaining 3 to 4 feet of clearance on all sides and directing exhaust away from the building. Use only grounded, undamaged cords, and select extension cords rated for the generator’s wattage.

Contact us

To reach us after hours, please call 1-833-896-9963.

In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Update: December 29 at 9:45 a.m.

Township roads and sidewalks have received a full maintenance pass, with our Roads team working around the clock to improve driving and walking conditions. Rain and freezing rain are expected to continue Monday morning, followed by snow Monday afternoon, with the potential for snow squalls.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued several weather alerts for our area. A Snow Squall Watch is in effect from Monday through Tuesday, with periods of heavy snow and very poor visibility possible starting Monday afternoon. Local snowfall amounts could reach 20 to 40 cm. A Strong Wind Warning is also in place for Monday, with wind gusts of 70 km/h expected. Areas with ice buildup may be more at risk for falling trees and power outages.

The mix of rain, freezing rain, snow, and strong winds is expected to make road and sidewalk conditions very slippery over the next 24 hours. Power outages and service interruptions are possible. Residents are encouraged to charge devices, fuel vehicles and generators, and have their 72-hour emergency kits ready.

Power outages have been reported in a few areas in Severn due to the storm with Hydro One responding as quickly and safely as possible. Hydro One customers can report an outage by texting 92887 (WATTS) or by using the online outage map. More information about Hydro One’s outage reporting tools is available at Outage Tools | Hydro One.

Please use caution if you need to travel and consider postponing non-essential trips. Township staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates on our website and social media channels as needed.