Winter weather travel advisory issued for Sault and area

Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for the region that includes Sault Ste. Marie, St. Joseph Island, Searchmont and Batchawana Bay.

Gusting winds may cause near-zero visibilities, says the advisory.

The Ministry of Transportation closed all lanes of Highway 17 north between Batchawana and White River last evening due to poor weather conditions in the area. The highway closure remains in place until further notice.

Full text of the Environment Canada weather advisory follows:

Weather advisory in effect for:
    •    Sault Ste. Marie - St. Joseph Island
    •    Searchmont - Montreal River Harbour - Batchawana Bay

Winter weather travel advisory for early this afternoon.

Hazards:
Lake effect snow off Lake Superior, at times heavy, with additional snowfall amounts of 5 cm possible in many areas. Wind gusts up to 50 km/h causing very low or near-zero visibilities in local blowing snow.

When:
Now into early this afternoon.

Discussion:
Strong westerly winds are bringing lake effect snow bands from Lake Superior inland this morning. Peak snowfall rates of 2 to 4 cm in an hour are possible.

Travel will be impacted during this period, especially along Highway 17.

The snow will taper to flurries later this afternoon.

Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Travel may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.

For road conditions and other traveller information from the Ministry of Transportation, visit here or call 5-1-1.