Winter Conditions Taking Toll on North Bay

SIGNS-ROAD-CLOSURES1Winter took a while to get started in Northern Ontario, but now the cold weather, snow, and blizzards are making themselves felt across the North Bay area. Indeed, the snow banks have increased and storms are causing huge problems on roads throughout the region, shutting numerous highways and even causing school closures.

Some of the crews working the city say the snow is becoming a real problem, especially the frequency of the falls in a short period of time. Officials are saying maintaining the roads with consistent snowfall is a hard task, as a cleared road is often covered again hours after it has been reopened. The city says it has likely already gone over its snow removal budget for the year, while general road repairs have been postponed until the weather clears.

A storm blew all weekend, bringing 80mph gusts of wind and heavy snow, blanketing the North Bay region in a fresh layer of snow. The OPP announced on Monday that Highway 17 westward was closed between Trunk Road to Walker’s Road near Thessalon due to poor weather conditions making driving hazardous.

Several hours later the OPP announced that the road had reopened, but another bout of snow could lead to more closures.

It is important to drive carefully in such wintery conditions, while using winter tires is advised. Ontario now has a mandatory discount on auto insurance premiums for all customers who install winter tires, so you will save money and potentially save your life out on the dangerous roads.

Heavy storm coming to North Bay says Environment Canada

snow_plowsEnvironment Canada has issued a special weather warning for a winter storm that is moving into the North Bay area on a northerly course from the United States. The agency said the severe winter storm is likely to effect the entire Northern Ontario region and has issued a weather warning for the following:

North Bay – Powassan – Mattawa
West Nipissing – French River
Burk’s Falls – Bayfield Inlet,
Huntsville – Baysville, Ont
Agawa – Lake Superior Park
Sault Ste. Marie – St. Joseph Island
Searchmont – Montreal River Harbour – Batchawana Bay
Timmins – Cochrane – Iroquois Falls
Wawa – Pukaskwa Park
White River – Dubreuilville

The storm will form in the Great Plains over the United States on Monday before passing over the Great Lakes by the end of Tuesday. By Wednesday evening the winter storm will have descended on Northern Ontario, bring periods of heavy and blowing snow blizzards.
Environment Canada says it expects at least 10cm of snow through Wednesday alone, although the agency says that could change if the storms tracked position shifts.

Accompanied by high winds, the heavy snow storm is likely to make driving conditions extremely hazardous, giving drivers little visibility and biting crosswinds on exposed highways.

As always, we caution about driving in the harshest of winter conditions, but if you must travel, remember to obey safe winter driving practices. Drive slowly and give yourself plenty of breaking distance between your vehicle and a lead vehicle. Collisions can happen more frequently in wintery conditions and adding winter tires can reduce the chances of an accident.

Knox Insurance Brokers now works with its partners to give winter tire discounts to all customers who install winter tires on their vehicles. Head to our online quote to see prices from over 25 auto insurance providers in Ontario, or give us a call and we will do our best to answer your query.

Heavy Snow Expected in North Bay on Friday, Roads Dangerous

North BayEnvironment Canada has issued a special weather warning for the North Bay area for the coming days and nights, with significant snowfall expected.

The weather warning is also issued for Powassan – Mattawa, and West Nipissing – and French River areas, so those travelling around the whole region are advised to exercise caution. An extreme low pressure Alberta Clipper is moving into North Bay, heading from Lake Huron and Georgian Bay Friday then into the Ottawa Valley area or southwestern Quebec by Friday night, and it will be bringing huge snowfall with it.

Between 10 and 20 centimeters of snow are expected to fall, although it could be more if the pressure continues to drop as the clipper passes. The weather is expected to pass over North Bay through Friday and into the night and Saturday morning, while ice and hail stones are also expected.

Environment Canada added it is monitoring the situation but says it expects driving conditions to worsen starting Thursday night before deteriorating quickly through Friday. Residents of North Bay and surrounding areas are advised to check back with Environment Canada sporadically for any further updates, especially those heading out or planning on travelling on the roads and highways around the city.

Driving in winter conditions is extremely hazardous and more accidents happen at this time of year than any other. There are practices that can help motorists stay safe on the road, such as limiting speeds and staying safe distances behind lead vehicles. Winter tires are a major help in winter climates, reducing braking distances and preventing skidding.

This winter season the Ontarian government has mandated that those using winter tires on their vehicles will be guaranteed a reduction in the auto insurance policy through discounts.