Dufferin County – located northwest of the GTA – has declared a state of emergency due to weather and road conditions.
Blowing snow and icy roads have led to several collisions, and all staff and resources are completely tapped, an official said Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency crews have been working non-stop for "days on end," Pam Hillock, Dufferin County director of corporate services, told CTV Toronto.
Blustery winter weather resulted in a series of collisions through the week, and the county staff were counting on a slow day to recuperate, she said.
Instead, the area is being hit with more of the same weather, part of a weather pattern causing temperatures to drop across the U.S. Midwest and Southern Ontario.
An Environment Canada special weather statement warns that "north-to-south routes in exposed areas will be most susceptible to poor winter travel conditions."
"Motorists should drive according to the road and weather conditions, and be prepared for sudden low visibility in areas of blowing snow."
OPP officer injured in Dufferin County crash
Meanwhile, an Ontario Provincial Police officer is in hospital after her vehicle was struck by a transport truck near Orangeville, in Dufferin County, on Wednesday.
The officer had to be freed from her vehicle, which was struck from behind and pushed into a second transport truck near County Road 109 and 9th Line, OPP Sgt. Peter Leon told CP24.
The female officer's injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening, as she was conscious and breathing when emergency crews responded to the scene.
Her cruiser was stopped at the side of the road at the scene of a jackknifed tractor trailer and struck around noon.
School buses cancelled for region
All buses in Dufferin County have been cancelled for the end of the day, but schools remain open. The Upper Grand District School Board tells CTV News any students or staff who cannot get home safely will be housed at the school where they are warm and safe.
The County of Dufferin and the Red Cross are offering to assist if schools need food, water or blankets later today or this evening. Read more from the school board here.
