A major winter storm hammered the Northumberland and Quinte regions Jan. 25, 2025. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
If you’re still trying to dig your way out this morning in the Northumberland or Quinte regions, you’re not alone.
According to the CFB Trenton weather station, a record-breaking 37 centimetres of snow walloped the region (or possibly more depending on where you’re located and the winds.)
Whether you were plowing or shovelling – or both – throughout yesterday, residents still had to get back at it early this morning digging and trying to unearth vehicles that were buried in snow.
At press deadline, there had been no major incidents or injuries reported, but several reports of vehicles getting stuck or landing in ditches.
As previously reported, local school boards also closed all schools and buildings today, in addition to cancelling all transportation.
At least some taxis were even pulled off the roads.
Several municipalities have declared significant weather events following the hammering. The Town of Cobourg was first out of the gate, declaring a significant weather event and snow event early Sunday.
The Township of Cramahe has since issued a significant weather declaration, along with the Municipality of Port Hope, the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, the City of Quinte West, and the City of Belleville.
In short, these declarations are issued when severe weather conditions can make it challenging to meet normal winter maintenance response times, explained officials.
This also means road and public works crews and snowplow operators are tackling emergency routes and high-traffic roads first and then move on to collector roads and bus routes, and finally, residential streets as conditions permit.
In other words, motorists, pedestrians and residents are urged to exercise caution during any potential travels as area municipalities may not be able to meet maintenance standards during these extreme weather events. The declarations don’t necessarily change how or when municipalities tackle winter operations but do serve as notice to residents that it may take municipal staff longer than usual to bring roads and sidewalks back to a state of safe passage.
Across the board, officials and local authorities are also calling on residents to avoid any non-essential travel until conditions improve.
“For the safety of all, please avoid travel on roads and sidewalks unless necessary,” said Township of Cramahe officials, who are also reminding residents that parking isn’t currently permitted on any streets during this snow event.
For those who have to hit the road, they’re urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.
In Port Hope, officials said the heavy snowfall has made for dangerous conditions on roads and sidewalks, and the municipality has shut down all its facilities until noon, with conditions to be reassessed afterwards. Further updates will be issued if reopening schedules change, noted officials, adding that where possible, administrative staff will also be working from home to maintain municipal services.
Facilities impacted by closures include town hall, the development team office, Port Hope Public Library, Jack Burger Sports Complex, Town Park Recreation Centre, fire administration office, and Hope Transfer Station. Transit services have also been suspended until 1:30 p.m. Monday to support road and bus stop clearing operations and in the interest of public safety, added officials.
In Brighton, no weather declaration has been issued, but the Brighton Fare Share Food Bank had to shutter its doors this morning. However, volunteers confirmed they will be open this evening from 5 to 8 p.m. The Brighton Public Library has also closed for the day to allow for cleanup and will reopen Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Brighton Fire and Rescue is also reminding residents to check vents outside and make sure they’re cleared from snow.
The Trenton Care Share Food Bank has also closed for the day due to storm fallout, as well as all Southeast Public Health offices. Health unit staff said all appointments set for today will be rescheduled. None of its programs, services, drop-ins, or information lines are also operating today.
In the City of Quinte West, a “high volume of snow and challenging conditions” has also prompted a significant weather event declaration.
City staff are also urging residents to exercise extra caution due to a significant amount of snow accumulation in the area over the last 24 hours on roads and sidewalks.
Officials in all communities said notices will be issued when declarations are pulled.
Quinte West Public Library has confirmed all scheduled programs are cancelled for the day – but the library is open as of 10 a.m. and operating as usual until further notice. However, residents are encouraged to check before they go and keep an eye on the library’s Facebook page for potential updates.
Quinte Transit has now shuffled to running Trenton/Belleville service on demand only. Initially, routes were postponed this morning due to snow clearing operations and then buses were running on main roads. Now, Quinte Transit is asking if people are looking for a ride to contact the dispatch office at 613-392-9640 Option #1 for a bus status.
The City of Belleville has also declared a significant weather event, echoing much of the same messaging as other area communities above here.
“Keeping residents safe is always our highest priority,” added Joe Reid, the city’s director of transportation and operations services. “Our public works teams are prepared and ready to respond, working quickly to reduce impacts and keep disruptions to a minimum.”
The storm even forced a delay in the opening of city hall this morning until 10 a.m., and a council meeting scheduled for later at 4 p.m. was cancelled.
Back in Northumberland, county staff are advising that some residents may also experience possible disruptions in waste and recycling collection today due to poor road conditions. If this happens (and there is no collection by 7 p.m.), residents are asked to put their bins back out on their next regularly scheduled collection day.
County officials have also confirmed that all 500 kilometres worth of roads Northumberland is responsible for are open, but cleanup is continuing.
“Our roads crews were out all night and will continue all day cleaning up and pushing back snow from road edges,” said county staff, while giving a shoutout to crews for their incredible efforts and asking residents to be patient when plows are in action.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
