VIDEO: ‘If travel is not essential, please stay off the roads’: Northumberland OPP

As the region prepares to get hit with another blast of winter, Northumberland OPP is urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and has issued a travel and weather alert.

Northumberland OPP Const. James Clarke said road conditions are anticipated to deteriorate quickly, leading to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces.  

“If travel is not essential, please stay off the roads,” said Clarke. (Non-essential travel is not recommended starting the night of Wednesday, Feb. 12.) 

“If you must drive, slow down, give yourself some extra time and keep (your) distance from other vehicles. And, as always, clear snow and ice from your vehicle before heading out,” said Clarke. 

Clarke is also reminding residents of the significance of following official emergency detour routes (EDRs) in the event of road closures and Hwy. 401 closures.  

“These routes are designed to handle highway traffic safely – avoid using roads that are not designated as EDRs, as many are not built for heavy traffic, and in the past closures, we’ve seen vehicles, especially transport trucks, get stuck, causing further delays and hazards,” explained Clarke. “Your safety is our top priority.” 

In short, first-responders continue to urge people to plan ahead, drive with caution, follow posted detour routes in the event of closures, turn on your full lighting systems, and check on local road conditions before heading out.  

Meanwhile, as previously reported, both school boards confirmed full closures earlier Wednesday ahead of the storm, which is anticipated to bring 15 to 25 centimetres of snow, plus possibly freezing rain and ice pellets, according to Environment Canada.  

A snowfall warning remains in effect in the Northumberland and Quinte areas.  

Environment Canada anticipates snow will rapidly accumulate – peak snowfall rates of two-to-four cm per hour are possible, which will lead to poor visibility in heavy snow. The heaviest snow is expected overnight into Thursday morning.  

The morning commute is anticipated to be impacted. Snow mixed with ice pellets is also anticipated early Thursday morning, especially for areas near Lake Ontario, noted Environment Canada officials. 

Snow is anticipated to gradually taper off Thursday afternoon. 

Officials are also encouraging people to take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow. 

Public Safety Canada is encouraging everyone to make emergency plans and emergency kits, with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.  

(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)