Winter Conditions Impact Highways Travellers
KENORA – Travel on Highways across the western part of Northwestern Ontario is now in full winter mode. The OPP closed the Trans-Canada between Vermillion Bay and Kenora after a semi-trailer jack-knifed on the road.
The section of Highway 17 from Vermillion Bay and Kenora is a very winding section of the highway, and is often quite slippery when it snows.
Machin’s volunteer Fire Department was called to the highway to respond to calls of semi-trucks off the road, or jack-knifed on the highway. The calls came in this morning at about 09:30EST on Sunday.
The roadway was also shut down in an earlier winter storm when 14 trucks collided.
Winter Weather Tracking Eastward
A snowfall warning is in effect for Sioux Lookout. Snow is expected to continue into this evening. Total snowfall amounts of 15 cm are expected by tonight for the Sioux Lookout to Armstrong area. It will be much later for the Nakina area as rain will change to snow late this evening. Total snowfall amounts of 15 cm are forecast for them by midday Monday. Local blowing snow is also possible with this system resulting in reduced visibilities in exposed areas. The snow will start to taper off from west to east tonight as the system moves toward Quebec.
Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions from low visibility in heavy snow and accumulating snow on untreated roads.
The Special Weather Statement for Thunder Bay has ended.
Winter Conditions and Snow for the North
For Fort Hope, Webiquie and other northern communities a winter snowfall warning is in effect.
15 cm of snow in many areas by Monday morning.
Snow will taper off tonight for the Pickle Lake, Fort Hope and Webequie areas where total snowfall amounts of 15 cm are expected.
Local blowing snow is also possible with this system resulting in reduced visibilities in exposed areas.