A major snow storm northern ontario has prompted a sustained winter storm warning, hazardous travel conditions and multiple highway closures across the region. Environment Canada has lifted a rainfall warning for the Sudbury area but warned that freezing rain, heavy snow and high winds will continue to make travel dangerous and could produce prolonged disruptions to services.
Snow Storm Northern Ontario: Warnings and Immediate Forecast
Environment Canada says the rainfall warning for Sudbury has been lifted, but the winter storm warning remains in effect and hazardous winter conditions are expected. Freezing rain and ice pellets are still forecast for the area, with ice build-up of 6 to 12 mm combined with northeasterly wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h. The agency says freezing rain and ice pellets will change over to light snow this afternoon, and that the storm is expected to continue through the day.
Travel will likely be extremely hazardous, and some routes will likely be impassable. Road closures are possible, prolonged, widespread utility outages are likely, and roofs are at an increased risk of collapse under the weight of snow. The guidance is that all travel and outdoor activities should be avoided and people should prepare for prolonged, widespread disruptions to transportation, services and utilities.
Highways Closed; Drivers Urged to Avoid Travel
The Northeast Region OPP has kept a number of northern highways closed because of hazardous driving conditions and is urging motorists to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. The following routes remain closed:
- Hwy 11: North Bay to Hearst
- Hwy 11: Hearst to Longlac (eastbound lanes)
- Hwy 17: Blind River to White River
- Hwy 65: Hwy 66 to Quebec border
- Hwy 69: Parry Sound to Sudbury
- Hwy 101: Wawa to Folyet
- Hwy 129: Wharncliffe to Chapleau
- Hwy 144: Chelmsford to Timmins
- Hwy 655: Hwy 11 to Kidd Creek
Motorists are being urged to avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary as conditions on these routes remain treacherous.
Regional Scope, Expected Impacts and Precautions
The weather event has affected a broad swath of northern Ontario and extended into Quebec from east of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior to the city of Sept-Îles. The weather agency notes that some areas around Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins could receive up to 60 centimetres of snow, with a risk of freezing rain and ice pellets that could reduce visibility on roads to near zero. Winds as strong as 80 kilometres an hour are possible in some locations.
The snow storm northern ontario has prompted warnings that travel, transportation services and utilities may be disrupted for an extended period. In parts of southern Ontario, a special weather statement warns of high winds and a patchy mix of rain, freezing rain and snow that may extend into Tuesday, adding to the potential for widespread impacts across the province.
Officials advise residents to prepare for prolonged outages and structural risks where heavy snow accumulates. With travel expected to be extremely hazardous, authorities emphasize limiting movements, securing supplies, and following any local instructions on road closures and safety measures.
As conditions evolve, those in affected areas should monitor official weather warnings and road-status updates and avoid non-essential travel until authorities confirm it is safe to do so.
