No serious injuries are being reported after multiple crashes in Northumberland this morning (Wednesday, Dec. 4) as the first big blast of winter hit the region.
However, there were closures along stretches of Hwy. 401 and first-responders are continuing to urge people to avoid unnecessary travel on Wednesday.
Northumberland OPP took to social media Wednesday morning advising residents “of a large number of collisions in the county.”
“There are collisions (that) have closed Hwy. 401 (eastbound) at Colborne and Brighton,” said OPP, while asking people to please follow signs for emergency diversion routes (EDR) when diversions are in place and to not use roads not designated as EDRs.
There were also crashes westbound near Brighton that shut down the highway. In an update just after 11 a.m., OPP said all lanes had reopened. Congestion was still being reported around this time.
When asked if there have been any serious crashes so far this morning, an OPP spokesperson confirmed there have been no collisions requiring technical collision investigators being called in.
“Closures are in place to prevent injury or damage to persons or property, as well as allow heavy tows to work in a safer environment, along with emergency services,” added the spokesperson.
The spokesperson also noted that on top of collisions, people should be aware that there are hazards caused by vehicles that are stuck.
Environment Canada still has a snow squall warning in effect for eastern and western Northumberland, as well as the Belleville and Quinte West areas. This alert was upgraded yesterday from a snow squall watch to a snow squall warning.
“Under the snow squall bands, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow, and snow will quickly accumulate,” said Environment Canada.
Squalls are expected into Wednesday night, with officials saying locally heavy snowfall with accumulations of 15 to 25 centimetres are possible, in addition to peak snowfall rates of three to six centimetres per hour.
Environment Canada predicted a messy morning commute Wednesday – but also says snow squalls may move in and out of the area this evening before moving back south of the area tonight.
Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably – changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common, added officials, while urging motorists to be prepared for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions amid heavy snow and blowing snow at times.
OPP’s message is clear for drivers Wednesday: “We are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel due to the current road and weather conditions. Additional vehicles on the roads put occupants at risk and add additional challenges for snow removal.”
For people who must travel, police are encouraging motorists to use MTO’s Ontario 511 Traveller Information service for 24/7 and up-to-date access to road information on provincially maintained highways.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
