Extreme cold warning in effect for the region

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. 

Hwy 17 open following lengthy closure

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. 

 

5-10 cm of snow expected Monday, winter travel advisory issued

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.

UPDATE Highway 17 closed from Shabaqua to Vermillion Bay

UPDATE

The highway has been reopened.

--- Original Story ---

Due to poor weather conditions, the Ministry of Transportation has closed Highway 17 in both directions from Shabaqua to Vermillion Bay.

KenoraOnline will provide any updates once they become available. 

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.

Bus cancellations

The following school buses will not be running in Kenora and Sioux Narrows today:

  • KN16
  • KN41
  • KN30
  • KN50
  • KN60

All bus routes in Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Sioux Lookout and Ignace have been cancelled due to poor weather and road conditions.