Waterloo region schools closed Friday due to winter storm

School boards in Waterloo region cancelled classes on Friday ahead of a winter storm that's due to move through the community.

On Thursday, the following boards said schools would be closed on Friday:

• Waterloo Region District School Board.
• Waterloo Catholic District School Board.
• Conseil scolaireCatholique MonAvenir.
• Conseil scolaire Viamonde.
• Avon Maitland District School Board.

All before and after school programs and child care centres co-located in schools are closed as well.

"The decision is made pre-emptively to ensure the safety of all students and staff," the Conseil scolaire Viamonde said on its website.

Waterloo Region District School Board said students can access asynchronous learning resources "where applicable," work on previously assigned work or "spend time reviewing material previously covered."

Conseil scolaireCatholique MonAvenirsaid the decision was made Thursday to "allow families and staff to prepare accordingly." The board said there would also beno distance learning on Friday with the exception of its virtual school.

"As the operations of the virtual school are not affected by the bad weather, please note that cole catholique MAVI will be open as usual tomorrow, Friday, December 23," the school district said.

The move follows an announcement by Toronto-area school boards that they too will be closed Friday due to the storm.

University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College are all closed Friday. Conestoga College said there would be no access to campus buildings or facilities and college child care services were also closed.

Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board were already scheduled to be closed Friday.

Travel will be hazardous

Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for Waterloo region, Guelph and southern Wellington County, sayingtravel "will become hazardous" on Friday.

• Latest Waterloo Region conditions from CBC Weather

Rain is expected Thursday night into Friday morning.

"Temperatures are expected to plummet on Friday morning leading to a potential flash freeze," the weather warning said. "Rapidly falling temperatures will be accompanied by damaging winds, snow at times heavy, and widespread blowing snow."

Snow of up to 15 centimetresis expected in parts of the area.

Meanwhile in northern Wellington County, Environment Canada is warning of a "crippling blizzard" for the area, with up to 50 centimetresof snow by Sunday morning and winds of up to 100 km/h at times.

"Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle," the weather warning said.

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