Major winter storm set to hit northern Ontario, OPP urge caution

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Hazardous roads, whiteouts prompt travel warnings in northern Ont.

7-Day weather forecast for northeastern Ontario

5-Day weather forecast for northeastern Ontario

A major winter storm poised to sweep across northern Ontario has prompted urgent warnings from provincial police, who are advising residents to avoid travel as dangerous conditions develop.

Ontario Provincial Police issued the advisory Sunday, citing Environment Canada winter storm warnings for the North Bay area and broader North East Region. The system is expected to bring a prolonged and severe mix of freezing rain, heavy snow and powerful winds from Sunday evening through Monday night.

Multiple hazards

The storm presents several concurrent hazards.

For the North Bay area, forecasters predict 10 to 15 millimetres of ice accretion from freezing rain, which will be followed by 10 to 20 centimetres of snow. Winds gusting between 60 and 70 kilometres per hour will combine with the precipitation to create dangerously low visibility.

Areas outside North Bay are bracing for even more severe conditions, with projections of 30 to 50 centimetres of snow, strong winds and the potential for blizzard conditions.

“Travel during this storm may be extremely dangerous,” said OPP in a news release.

Disruptions, road closures anticipated

Authorities are preparing for significant impacts on travel and infrastructure. The combination of heavy ice and snow with high winds increases the likelihood of power outages and treacherous roadways.

“Road closures are possible and prolonged utility outages may occur,” police said.

Given the severity of the forecast, the OPP’s primary message is for the public to stay off the roads. The force is making a direct appeal to reduce risk.

Essential travel requires preparation

For drivers who must travel, OPP advises the following precautions to increase safety:

• Plan ahead and check road and weather conditions at 511on.ca and on OPP North East Region’s social media.
• Allow extra time to reach your destination safely.
• Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit including blankets, food, water and a fully charged cell phone.
• Clear all ice and snow from your vehicle and ensure fluids are topped up.
• Drive to conditions: Slow down, increase following distance, avoid sudden braking and turn on headlights in low visibility.
• Obey all road closures and detours.

OPP emphasized that safety is a shared responsibility, especially during severe weather events that also put first responders and road crews at risk.

“Your safety and the safety of emergency responders and road maintenance crews depend on responsible decisions,” police said.

For non-emergency situations, the public can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Any emergency should be reported by calling 911.