Severe winter weather triggers 16 collisions on Hwy. 11 Tuesday morning

Blowing snow led to zero visibility in parts of the region including on Highway 11, forcing officials to close the roadway.

Northbound lanes along Highway 11 in Orillia, Ont., were shut down Tuesday morning between Line 11 and Memorial Avenue following reports of multiple collisions amid the deteriorating weather conditions.

Ontario Provincial Police say 16 crashes occurred in the severe winter weather, forcing a full closure of the road.

“Several transport trucks and passenger vehicles are stuck in the ditch due to blowing snow and whiteout conditions on the highway,” police say.

Officers say multiple other vehicles are still awaiting removal from the road.

Both northbound lanes between Line 11 and Memorial Avenue were closed for nearly one hour.

Commuters are being asked to avoid the area and adjust travel plans as cleanup and investigations continue.

Police also reminded drivers to slow down and drive according to current weather conditions, noting that visibility and roads can change quickly during the winter storm.

No injuries have been reported at this time.

The road re-opened around noon.

County of Simcoe Linx service on Line 3 from Barrie to Orillia is also currently suspended due to whiteout conditions and poor visibility.

Police told CTV News this situation has been unfolding since 6 a.m.