Ontario travellers face hazardous road conditions with heavy rain, flooding, ice, snow, and strong winds. Highways 401, 400, 17, 69, and 11 impacted.
If you’re hitting the road today, be prepared for a mix of hazardous winter weather, heavy rain, strong winds, and icy conditions across much of Ontario.
From Toronto to Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Geraldton, drivers should expect difficult travel conditions with flooding risks in the south and snow, ice pellets, and blowing snow further north.
Several weather warnings and advisories remain in effect, impacting major highways including Highway 11, Highway 17, Highway 69, and the 400-series highways.
Southern Ontario: Toronto & Highway 401, Highway 400, QEW
Toronto is dealing with a Special Weather Statement, warning of heavy rain (15 to 25 mm) and melting snow, leading to potential flooding and water pooling on roads. There’s also a risk of thunderstorms this afternoon. By tonight, temperatures will plummet, turning rain into snow, and surfaces may become icy and slippery. Strong westerly winds gusting up to 80 km/h will make driving even more difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles on Highway 401, Highway 400, the Gardiner Expressway, and the QEW. If you’re traveling Thursday morning, be cautious of black ice and reduced visibility in blowing snow.
Sudbury & Highway 69, Highway 17
A Winter Storm Warning and Rainfall Warning are in effect for Greater Sudbury and Highway 69. Heavy rain (20 to 35 mm) will fall today, combined with melting snow, which could cause localized flooding. As temperatures drop tonight, rain will transition to freezing rain, ice pellets, and snow, making roads extremely icy and treacherous into Thursday morning. Wind gusts up to 50 km/h will create blowing snow, reducing visibility on Highway 17 and Highway 69. Travel is not advised overnight or early Thursday due to slippery conditions and the risk of sudden freezing.
Sault Ste. Marie & Highway 17
The Soo is under both a Rainfall Warning and a Winter Weather Travel Advisory. 20 to 35 mm of rain is expected, raising concerns about localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers and creeks. Northern sections of Highway 17 could see 5 to 10 cm of snow, and freezing rain may create slick roads. By tonight, rain will transition to snow and ice pellets, with gusty northwest winds up to 60 km/h, leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility. If you’re driving north towards Wawa or east toward Sudbury, expect deteriorating road conditions overnight into Thursday morning.
Geraldton & Highway 11
A Winter Weather Travel Advisory is in effect for Geraldton, Longlac, and Caramat, with 5 to 15 cm of snow expected through early Thursday morning. Northeasterly winds gusting up to 50 km/h will create blowing snow, significantly reducing visibility along Highway 11. Conditions will be worst toward Marathon, where the heaviest snowfall is expected. If you must travel, drive with caution and be prepared for delays.
Final Road Travel Recommendations
- Toronto & Southern Ontario: Expect wet roads, potential flooding, and strong winds today. Watch for icy roads overnight as temperatures drop.
- Sudbury & Sault Ste. Marie: Rain, freezing rain, and snow will create dangerous road conditions on Highway 17 and Highway 69 tonight into Thursday. Travel is not recommended.
- Geraldton & Highway 11: Snow and blowing snow will reduce visibility and create slippery roads through early Thursday morning.
If you must travel, slow down, increase your following distance, and check road conditions before heading out. For updated highway conditions, visit Ontario 511 or follow @511Ontario on Twitter. Stay safe and drive with caution!
