Section of Highway 17 in northern Ontario closes as north shore area braces for snow squalls
From extreme cold to snow squalls, northern Ontario expecting more challenging weather Wednesday
A section of Highway 17 is closed in both directions due to poor weather conditions, as some north shore areas brace for snow squalls.
Ontario Provincial Police issued a media release Wednesday morning, advising of the closure in Wawa, Ont., going west to White River and south to Sault Ste. Marie.
"The OPP advises motorists to avoid any unnecessary travel as driving conditions are deteriorating," reads the media release from police.
Environment Canada has issued snow squall warnings for Marathon and Schreiber, along with areas further east through Agawa and Lake Superior Park.
The agency says heavy lake effect snow with additional accumulations of 15 to 20 centimetres is possible.
The snow from Lake Superior will continue through the day, mixed with southwesterly winds gusting to 50 kilometres an hour.
"Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably. Changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations," reads the weather alert from Environment Canada.
A winter weather travel advisory is also in effect for Nipigon and Rossport areas. Local snowfall accumulations of 5 to 10 centimetres by early afternoon is possible.
More information on highway conditions can be found through the Ontario 511 website.