A major winter storm has forced the prolonged closure of multiple highways across northern Ontario as of Saturday afternoon. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has been providing updates throughout the day as conditions evolve.

Highway Closures

Just before 4:30 p.m., the OPP reported a mix of highway reopenings and ongoing closures. Several major corridors remain closed due to poor visibility and deteriorating road conditions.

The following highway closures are in effect:

• Highway 11 from Nipigon to Beardmore
• Highway 11 from Longlac to Hearst
• Highway 11 from Hearst to Cochrane
• Highway 11 from Cochrane to Matheson
• Highway 631 from Hornepayne to Palmquist
• Highway 655 from Driftwood to Timmins

Day of Evolving Conditions

The situation has been fluid. The first OPP social media post noted closures on Highway 11 between Nipigon and Longlac, and Highway 17 between Terrace Bay and Marathon, among others. Throughout the day, several sections reopened only to be closed again.

Traveler Resources

Authorities are advising the public to avoid travel in the affected regions unless “absolutely necessary.” For those who must drive, checking real-time conditions is essential.

The OPP directs motorists to consult 511on.ca for live highway travel and plowing information or weather.gc.ca for official weather conditions and alerts. Comprehensive winter driving safety tips can be found on the Government of Ontario’s website.

“During severe winter weather, OPP officers and partner agencies may temporarily close roads and highways when conditions deteriorate and pose a significant risk to motorists, road maintenance crews, and emergency responders,” said police in a news release.

Police Emphasize Safety

The police service stressed that these closures allow snow removal, towing, and emergency operations to be carried out safely and efficiently. Authorities also warned that disobeying a road closure is a serious offense.

“Motorists are reminded that driving on a closed roadway or failing to comply with police direction may result in charges under the Highway Traffic Act,” said the OPP.

Potential charges include disobeying a traffic officer, driving on a closed highway, or disobeying a sign. These charges can lead to fines, demerit points and court appearances.

For road emergencies, the OPP can be reached at 1-888-310-1122. In a life-threatening situation, call 911.

Why This Matters

The highway closures highlight the severity of the winter storm impacting northern Ontario. The closures disrupt travel and commerce, potentially stranding motorists and delaying essential services. Adhering to the warnings and utilizing available resources is crucial for public safety during this weather event.