A major winter system is bearing down on northeastern Ontario, prompting Environment Canada and the OPP to issue warnings about dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and potential road closures. The OPP is urging motorists to avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve
Motorists are being advised by the OPP to avoid non-essential travel as a severe winter storm threatens the northeast Region with freezing rain, heavy snowfall, and strong winds.
A significant winter storm is expected to begin this evening and continue through Monday night. Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings for the region, forecasting hazardous conditions including:
Freezing rain with 10 to 15 mm of ice accretion
Snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 cm
Wind gusts of 60 to 70 km/h
Reduced visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow
Travel during this storm may be extremely dangerous. Other parts of the northeast are expecting even more accumulation with 30-50 cm of snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions. Road closures are possible, and prolonged utility outages may occur. The OPP is urging motorists to avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve.
If you must travel, take every precaution to protect yourself and others:
Plan ahead and check road and weather conditions at https://511on.ca or through OPP North East Region social media.
Allow extra time to reach your destination safely.
Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit including blankets, food, water, and a fully charged cell phone.
Clear all ice and snow from your vehicle and ensure fluids are topped up.
Drive to conditions: slow down, increase following distance, avoid sudden braking, and turn on headlights in low visibility.
Obey all road closures and detours.