A severe winter storm is impacting northeastern Ontario, leading to widespread highway closures and travel advisories. Environment Canada has issued both winter storm and rain warnings for the area, urging residents to stay safe at home. The agency reports that travel conditions are expected to be perilous, with many routes becoming impassable.
Highway Closures Due to Winter Storm
As of early morning, a significant number of major highways have been shut down in response to the inclement weather. According to 511, the following highways are currently closed:
- Highway 6: Little Current to Espanola
- Highway 11: North Bay to Longlac
- Highway 17: Wawa to Sturgeon Falls
- Highway 65: Highway 66 to the Quebec border
- Highway 69: Parry Sound to Sudbury
- Highway 101: Wawa to Folyet
- Highway 129: Wharncliffe to Chapleau
- Highway 144: Chelmsford to Timmins
- Highway 655: Highway 11 to Kidd Creek Mine
Community Impact and Emergency Measures
In Sudbury, city officials have declared a significant weather event. They have mobilized all available crews to address the hazardous conditions but warned that maintaining local roads may take longer than usual. Emergency services will receive priority, with some roadways, including Municipal Road 80, being left unmaintained.
Sudbury police have requested residents remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until further notice. Similar advisories are in place for Sault Ste. Marie, where city officials urge the public to stay off the roads. Transit services have been suspended, and garbage collection has been postponed until the following week.
Educational and Community Closures
Several educational institutions in the region have also closed for the day due to the winter storm. Schools affected include:
- Cambrian College
- Collège Boréal
- Northern College (except Moosonee campus)
- Algoma University
- Sault College
Laurentian University has cancelled all campus activities, and offices are also closed until further notice.
As the storm continues to affect northeastern Ontario, residents are strongly advised to stay updated on weather announcements and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. El-Balad will provide ongoing updates as conditions evolve.
