Storm Tracker

Environment Canada is tracking a snowstorm that is expected to hit the far north regions of northwestern Ontario.

The storm is expected to bring 10 to 20 cm of snow, strong wind gusts, and limited visibility for motorists.

Some areas are in a Snowfall Warning while others are in a Special Weather Statement. 

The affected communities are Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake, Eastern Lac Seul, Savant Lake, Sturgeon Lake, Red Lake, Ear Falls, Sandy Lake, Pikangikum, and Wunnummin Lake.

The snow is flying in Northwestern Ontario as the first major snowfall hit the region causing headaches for drivers and residents.

Just under 30 cm of snow hit the Kenora area in the last two days, which may be a relief as 40-50 cm was originally predicted to fall.

A Winter Storm Warning was issued by Environment Canada on Tuesday(November 9, 2021) after a low-pressure system from the northwestern United States was bringing heavy snow and wind into Northwestern Ontario.

By early Friday morning, over 27 cm of snow has already fallen in the Kenora area, with another 10-15 cm expected to fall overnight before turning to flurries Friday morning.

The first snowstorm system led to the cancelation of numerous events, buses and closed a number of highways in the region, including the Trans-Canada Highway.

Highway 17 was closed at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Thursday as road conditions deteriorated in the wake of the storm. At the time of publishing this article, the highway remained closed.

The Winter Storm Warning has caused more highways in Northwestern Ontario to close.

Highway 71 has closed due to poor driving conditions and limited visibility. 

Motorists are asked to avoid the area. 

Highway 502 is closed as well due to poor road and weather conditions. 

There has been no word on when both highways will reopen.

Travelers driving north on Highway 71 may experience delays following a collision. 

A semi is disabled and has blocked one lane. Traffic control is in place and drivers are asked to use caution in the area. 

A heavy snowfall has caused very slippery roads, which has led to the closure of Highway 17.

Ontario Provincial Police have closed the highway from the Manitoba border east to Shabaqua corners. The closure is in effect for roughly 600 kilometres of highway.

There is no word on when the highway will reopen. 

You can check the current road conditions on the Fix Auto Road Report page.

If you see breaking news, call or text the Sounds and Systems Talk & Text Line at 807-468-44-87.

Highway 17 is closed in both directions, one kilometre east of Ignace, following an early morning collision.

At this time, it's unclear if there are any injuries or when the highway will reopen.

Roads in the region are reported to be slick this morning and are expected to get worse as the first winter storm of the season is expected to dump another 20 to 30 cm of snow by the end of the day.

The eastbound lane of Highway 17A, the Kenora bypass, is closed due to a jackknifed semi-trailer. Traffic control is in place.

Northwestern Ontario is expected to be hit with its first major snowfall of the season.

Environment Canada issued a Winter Storm Watch earlier today (November 9, 2021) which ended their special weather statement that was issued yesterday (November 8, 2021).

They have predicted total accumulations of 20 to 40 cm of snow are possible by Friday evening.

Peter Kimbell, an Environment Canada Meteorologist said a low-pressure storm is brewing in the Northwestern United States that will make its way north to Kenora.

The Winter Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning.

--- Original Story ---

Environment Canada has upgraded their Special Weather Statement in the region to a Winter Storm Watch.

A developing low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy snow to parts of northwestern Ontario. Snow is expected to begin Wednesday night and continue through Friday, before tapering to light snow or flurries on Saturday.

It looks like the first major snowfall of the season is on the horizon.

Earlier today, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for much of the region as a developing low pressure system is expected to bring heavy snow starting Wednesday evening.

The snow is expected to continue through Friday before tapering to light snow or flurries by Saturday.

Edit: The scene has been cleared and no injuries have been reported. 
 

Emergency crews are on the scene of an early morning accident on Highway 17 between Vermilion Bay and Dryden. 

Dryden, near distance marker 168 the westbound lane is blocked due to a collision. Traffic control is in place. Please use caution in the area as it is reported that black ice is prominent in the area. 

No reports on any injuries or when the highway will be fully open.

More details to come as they become available.