Winter Storm Brings Hazardous Travel Across Ontario

A winter storm is impacting travel on Ontario’s major highways from Toronto to Kenora. Snowfall warnings, icy roads, and poor visibility make for hazardous driving!

If you’re planning to drive anywhere between Toronto and Kenora today, buckle up—winter is throwing a major curveball. An Alberta Clipper is sweeping across the province, bringing heavy snow, reduced visibility, and bitterly cold temperatures along major highways, including Highways 400, 69, 17, and the Trans-Canada Highway. Expect difficult driving conditions and potential delays, especially in areas with active Snowfall Warnings.

Toronto to Sudbury (Highways 400 & 69)

• Conditions: A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Toronto, with 5 to 10 cm of snow expected this afternoon. Snow will move in near noon, making for a slippery and slow-moving afternoon commute.
• Winds: South at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, increasing through the day.
• Visibility: Reduced in heavier snowfall.
• Temperatures: High near +2°C, but dropping overnight to -6°C, with wind chills near -13°C.
• Advice: Allow extra travel time, especially north of Barrie, where snow and gusty winds could lead to reduced visibility on Highway 400.

Sudbury to Wawa (Highways 17 & 101)

• Conditions: Sudbury is under a Snowfall Warning, expecting up to 15 cm of snow this afternoon and evening. The snow will taper off overnight but will be replaced by bitter cold and strong winds.
• Winds: East 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, shifting to the north overnight.
• Visibility: Poor, especially in areas of blowing snow.
• Temperatures: Falling to -17°C overnight, with wind chills as low as -28°C.
• Advice: Drive cautiously on Highway 17, especially west of Sudbury, where blowing snow and slick roads will be a problem. Frostbite risk is high if stranded, so keep warm winter gear in your vehicle.

Wawa to Thunder Bay (Highway 17 – Lake Superior’s North Shore)

• Conditions: Wawa remains under a Winter Weather Advisory, with 10 cm of snow expected today, tapering off this evening. Gusty northeast winds will create blowing snow and whiteout conditions along the Lake Superior shoreline.
• Winds: Northeast 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, calming overnight.
• Visibility: Reduced in blowing snow, especially near open stretches.
• Temperatures: Dropping to -26°C tonight, with wind chills near -36°C—frostbite in minutes.
• Advice: Highway 17 from Wawa to Thunder Bay is notorious for dangerous winter driving. Expect slick roads, blowing snow, and limited visibility. If conditions worsen, consider delaying travel until Saturday.

Thunder Bay to Kenora (Highway 17 – Trans-Canada Highway)

• Conditions: Thunder Bay and Kenora are both under Snowfall Warnings, with up to 25 cm of snow possible in some areas. Snow will continue this morning before tapering to flurries by early afternoon.
• Winds: Northwest 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, creating drifting snow.
• Visibility: Poor in heavy snowfall, improving later in the day.
• Temperatures:
  • Thunder Bay: Dropping to -9°C this afternoon, with a wind chill of -16°C.
  • Kenora: Falling to -11°C by the afternoon, with blowing snow continuing. Overnight lows near -21°C, with wind chills near -28°C.
• Advice: Highway 17 from Thunder Bay to Kenora is seeing some of the worst travel conditions today. Expect snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, and icy stretches. Drive with caution, and avoid unnecessary travel if possible.

Final Travel Tips:

✅ Check Ontario 511 before heading out for updated road conditions.
✅ Have an emergency kit with blankets, extra clothing, food, and a flashlight.
✅ Fill up on gas—you don’t want to be stuck in a storm with an empty tank.
✅ If visibility drops, slow down and keep your headlights on.
✅ Avoid unnecessary travel on Highway 17 west of Thunder Bay, as conditions are hazardous.

Bottom Line:

If you’re traveling anywhere between Toronto and Kenora today, expect snow-covered roads, blowing snow, and delays. The worst conditions will be along Highway 17 from Thunder Bay to Kenora, where up to 25 cm of snow could make for treacherous driving. The weekend will bring bitter cold, so if you must travel, be prepared, drive cautiously, and stay safe!