Gravenhurst left digging out after town's most significant early snowfall ever

The Town of Gravenhurst is in recovery mode after 140 centimetres of snow fell over the weekend, marking the town’s most significant early snowfalls on record.

The relentless snowstorm stranded motorists, closed Highway 11, and left residents digging out and without power.

Among those impacted was a group from Toronto who were left without power or running water in their Muskoka Airbnb throughout the weekend. By Monday, the group decided to make a desperate three-hour trek on foot to Gravenhurst.

“We went out of power and then we started like the survival mode,” said Diego Aduinaga.

“Trying to melt more snow to get water… because yeah still no running water… nothing,” added Valentin Vijer.

Without working cell phones to call for help, the group said their families became increasingly worried.

• Photo Gallery | Snowstorm wreaks havoc across Simcoe Muskoka

As the snow squalls finally eased and the sun emerged Monday morning, Gravenhurst remained buried under seemingly endless snow.

“Saturday, I spent about six hours shoveling. And then yesterday, I spent around nine hour shoveling from about noon to almost 10 p.m.,” said resident Aaron Haynes.

Businesses slowly regained power, but many were still in the dark Monday afternoon.

Hydro One said nearly 200,000 homes and businesses lost power over the weekend across Muskoka, and as of Monday evening, there were still thousands in the dark as crews work around the clock to remedy the situation.

As some roads started to reopen, long lines formed at area gas stations as motorists scrambled to refuel, with the towering snowbanks serving as a harsh reminder of the storm’s severity.

For the eight from Toronto, they reconnected with their driver Monday evening and are finally headed back to the city, exhausted and cold.

As cleanup efforts continue and the State of Emergency remains in place, officials urge the public to stick to essential travel only.