UPDATE Jackknifed semi blocks Highway 17 west of Vermilion Bay
The incident has been cleared and the eastbound lane is re-opened.
——— Original Story Below ———
Motorists traveling along Highway 17 may experience delays following a collision.
Just before 8 p.m., this evening a report came in that a transport truck jackknifed in the eastbound lane causing a blockage in both directions.
The incident happened on Highway 17 west of Vermillion Bay.
Motorists are being asked to use caution when in the area.
As of when this report was made there is no word on injuries or if either lane is open yet.
Drivers reminded to take it easy as first winter snow storm arrives
With the significant snowfall on its way, drivers are reminded to take it easy on the roads.
"If you don't have to travel, I would suggest taking a serious look at postponing. If you have to be somewhere, take the time that you need to get to your destination safely. You will need to drive slower, you will need to increase following distances so there's more space between cars. And pay attention to what other drivers are doing who may or may not be as attentive as they need to be," says Maria Bagdonas, Centre Director for Young Drivers of Canada.
UPDATE Delays along HWY 17A following collision
The shoulder and land have reopened.
--- Original Story ---
Motorists along Highway 17A may experience delays following a collision.
The eastbound shoulder and lane of the Kenora bypass at Airport Road are closed following a collision that was reported shortly before 3 p.m. this afternoon.
Traffic control is in place, but delays should be expected.
It's unclear if there are any injuries or when the lane and shoulder will fully reopen.
EC predicting Kenora will get hit the worst in Winter Storm Watch
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.
UPDATE Winter Storm Watch in effect for NWO
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.
One deceased, four injured following Sunday collision
The OPP has confirmed one fatality and four injuries following a collision on Highway 17 on Sunday evening.
Kenora OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Jeff Duggan, says on Sunday evening at approximately 7:30 p.m., emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision near the Redden's Store on the east highway.
"As a result of the vehicle collision, we have one fatality, one person transported [to the hospital] in critical condition, and three people treated and released from the hospital," said Inspector Duggan.
First major snowfall expected this week, 20-40 cm possible: Environment Canada
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.
UPDATE HWY 17 closed
Highway 17 has since reopened.
--- Original Story ---
Highway 17, east of Kenora, is closed following an accident.
The highway is closed in both directions between Kimberly Road and Gustafson's Road.
At this time it's unclear if there are any injuries or when the highway will reopen.
Motorists can use Highway 17A, the Kenora by-pass, as a detour.
UPDATE: Highway collision between Vermilion Bay and Dryden
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.