Another brutal day for drivers on Highway 11 from Orillia to Muskoka

Frigid temperatures and blowing snow are expected across central Ontario this week.

Provincial police responded to numerous crashes Thursday morning - many of them multi-vehicle.

“This one just north of Orillia involved five vehicles. Police say poor weather and deteriorating road conditions were a bad combination today,” said CTV reporter Rob Cooper at the scene.

“Early this afternoon two more multi vehicles crashes just south of Orillia. This one by Line 15 involved two tractor trailers.”

Another crash occurred just south of Line 14 involved a tractor trailer. All lanes had to be shut down for clean up and removal.

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And when there were no crashes - drivers had to navigate white-out conditions - like this one Highway 11 in Washago.

“I just came from Washago and you can’t see – it’s snowing so hard over there – you can’t see,” said driver Joe Brooks.

For the second straight day police advising people to avoid unnecessary travel on a white knuckle drive during a season hard to duplicate.

“Well, how’s that going for ya? Pretty well. Ha ha, ha,” said one Gravenhurst man.

Towns and communities across Muskoka are trying to clear snow before more comes. People in Gravenhurst have seen it all before.

“I just happen to get off early today, so I’m shoveling. Yup,” said Rachel Loree.

Not only are snow squalls expected to continue, but extreme cold is expected to move in.

In Bracebridge, the Muskoka Lumber Community Center and the Bracebridge Sportsplex will open as warming stations this weekend for anyone who needs it.

“We are out there all the way, 24/7, with our town staff (and) our contractors making sure the roads are clear and sidewalks are clear,” said Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney.

A snowplow driver in Bracebridge said he’s been working non-stop.

“We start at midnight, and ah, it’s 12:30 p.m. now, so it’s 12 hours pretty solid - and back out tonight,” said Norm Medley.

With more snow expected and a dramatic drop in the temperature in the coming days people are being encouraged to be prepared and ready if they do go outdoors.