Heavy snow squalls cause dangerous driving, road closures across southern Ontario Tuesday
theweathernetwork.com
Wednesday, November 13, 2013, 7:10 AM -
Snow squall watches and warnings have dropped across southern Ontario, but police are warning drivers to take their time on the roads Wednesday.
"There may be some residual flurries Wednesday morning and roads could be slippery after Tuesday night's snowfall," warns Doug Gillham, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
The snow system has been creating challenges on roadways since Monday evening with upwards of 15 cm falling in some places.
On Tuesday, treacherous conditions forced a partial closure of Highway 400 south of Barrie.
"A police officer was heard over our scanners saying, 'these cars are demolished,' Rachel Schousten, Travelers Network reporter, told The Weather Network Tuesday. "Car pool lots along the side of the highway were being used as collision report stations since the number of accidents were unmanageable."
Another serious crash near Strathroy also forced the closure of Hickory Drive Tuesday.
Middlesex County OPP say a northbound passenger van on Hickory Drive and a southbound car collided head-on just south of Second Street. All three occupants of the van, and the only occupant of the car were taken to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
For many drivers, this was the first taste of winter on the roads. Police say it could be a long season ahead if you're not prepared for the deteriorating conditions.
"The O.P.P. is warning people to drive within their skill level as well," says Sgt. Dave Rector with the O.P.P. "If you're not comfortable driving in winter conditions then don't drive."
Rector also suggests reducing speed as visibilities are reduced.
"You want to make sure that you activate your hazards so that you can see and be seen by other motorists," says Rector.
If conditions worsen, Rector suggests pulling your vehicle well off the travel portion of the roadway and wait for the storm intensity to lessen.
THE TRAVEL & COMMUTING APP YOU NEED: Travelers Network is free to download for iPhone at the App Store. Get all the traffic info you need to ease your daily commute by downloading it today. To make sure your car is winter ready, check out these tips from autofile.ca.
