Up to 35 cm of snow expected until Saturday evening in parts of the region
A storm blanketing areas of northwestern Ontario with ice and snow is causing dangerous road conditions and has led to travel and school closures.
The region was hit overnight and the snow is expected to continue into the weekend.
Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for areas stretching from Atikokan and Wabakimi, eastwards to Wawa, as well as areas along the north shore of Lake Superior and north toward the Greenstone area.
The federal agency warned of heavy snow, with accumulation of 20 to 35 centimetres for most of the region. Areas along the north shore, including Nipigon and Marathon, can see 30 to 50 centimetres by Saturday.
Gusty northeasterly winds are also expected, resulting in blowing snow that could reduce visibility to near zero, according to Environment Canada.
Here’s the latest information about transportation and highway conditions across northwestern Ontario.
Sections of Highway 11/17 were closed Friday morning.
The Ministry of Transportation says the highway between Nipigon and West of Dorion Loop Road was fully blocked, as of 5 a.m., due to a jackknifed transport truck.
As well, Highway 17, From Dryden to Shabaqua, was closed due to a collision.
Drivers were being asked to avoid the area.
The ministry said Highway 17 west of Rossport may have lanes blocked due to disabled transports. Traffic control was in place.
For more information on road closures, visit Ontario 511.
If you’re seeing something out on the roads that others should know about, send us an email.
Postal service cancelled
Canada Post has issued what’s called a “red delivery service alert” for Thunder Bay. That means service was suspended Friday, until conditions become safe for postal workers to head out again.
School bus route cancellations
Most students are on March break this week in the region, so there are no school bus or school closures to report.
Municipal transit
Municipal transit services are running on their regular schedule.