Storm Tracker

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for the areas of Kenora, Whitedog, Grassy Narrows, Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Ignace, and English River. 

Temperatures are expected to be between minus 26 degrees and minus 36, with windchill values between minus 40 and 45 degrees. 

The extreme cold warning is expected tonight and into Wednesday morning. 

Highway 17 is now open between Dryden and Ignace due to poor road conditions. 

The highway was closed since roughly midnight and reopened around 5:30am. 

Drivers are reminded to drive with extreme caution as a winter storm passed through Northwestern Ontario in the last couple of days. Local roads and highways are quite slick with reduced visibility in some areas. 

Motorists can expect delays near Vermilion Bay as the eastbound lane of Highway 17 will be closed for vehicle removal near Hanslip's Road and Nelson Granite. Traffic control in place. 

A winter travel advisory has been issued by Environment Canada as 5-10 cm of snow is expected to fall Monday.

The weather agency says, "poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop."

The affected areas include Highway 17 from Shabaqua to Kenora and Highway 11 from Shabaqua to Rainy River.

Q104, KenoraOnline and DrydenNow are looking back at the biggest news stories of the year. Today’s story is an interview with Environment Canada Meteorologist Peter Kimbell.

Q: How was northwestern Ontario’s weather in 2021?

“Looking back at 2021, the main theme of the year was warm and dry. Looking back to January 2021, there was really only one month of the last eleven that was colder than average – and that was February. Every other month has been warmer than average or near average.”

Heavy fog has settled over the region reducing visibility to near zero in some areas.

Environment Canada says the fog will dissipate after midnight when the wind becomes stronger.

Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.

The special weather statement for the Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Sioux Lookout, and the surrounding communities has ended and is now being classified as weather advisory. 

Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory in effect Wednesday night into Thursday evening.

Northwestern Ontario residents can expect this week’s cold temperatures to settle down later in the month.

--- Update ---

The highway has reopened.

--- Original Story ---

Highway 17 east of Kenora is down to one lane following a tractor-trailer going into the ditch. Police are on scene and it is unknown at this time when the highway will be fully open. 

Motorists are asked to drive according to conditions as there is a freezing drizzle advisory in effect. 

The freezing drizzle advisory has ended.

--- Original Story ---

Residents are warned about a freezing drizzle advisory in effect for Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Ignace and English River.

Areas of freezing drizzle mixed with light snow are expected in the area tonight, and roadways are expected to be slick.

Freezing drizzle advisories are issued when drizzle falling in sub-zero temperatures is expected to freeze on contact and create icy surfaces.

The City of Kenora is looking to ‘question the norm’ and improve their snow clearing services after a recent major snowfall.