VIDEO: ‘Avoid non-essential travel’: Treacherous road conditions, crashes reported in Northumberland

Emergency services are calling on Northumberland residents to avoid non-essential travel today (Wednesday, Dec. 10) as a winter storm continues to hammer the region.

Treacherous driving conditions and collisions are already being reported – including a jackknifed tractor trailer in the ditch on Hwy. 401 westbound, just west of Burham, Northumberland OPP Const. James Clarke reported this morning, noting crews had set up yellow tape around the area.

“We’re just trying to get the message out to drivers and motorists to avoid non-essential travel today due to the heavy snowfall and deteriorating road conditions,” said Clarke. “There’s snow-covered and icy roads and an increased risk of collisions.”

Just before 10 a.m. today, there was also a crash on County Road 10 in Port Hope, north of Ganaraska Road. Initial reports point to a single-vehicle in a ditch. Police were on scene for traffic control.

Meanwhile, back on Hwy. 401 in Brighton near County Road 26, police said they were aware of a truck on its side in the north ditch. Tape and pilons had been put up, and the owner was waiting on tow removal at about 9:45 a.m., reported OPP.

Just after 10 a.m., OPP confirmed there were no road closures or major traffic impacts yet – but emergency crews are preparing for those.

Where possible, emergency crews are asking people to stay off the roads – this will also help first-responders to answer what’s anticipated to likely be an increasing number of calls for help and crashes.

The blast of winter, which started yesterday, is impacting road conditions countywide.

Police are asking residents if they must travel to ensure vehicles are winter-ready, and people are prepared in the event of an emergency like a collision, or you get stuck, et cetera. This means having a full tank of gas, an emergency kit, and a fully charged phone, to name just a few tips.

Clarke is calling on motorists to slow down and leave extra space between vehicles and make sure people also allot more time to reach destinations.

“Folks, your safety matters – staying off the roads, when possible, helps emergency services respond quickly to those in need,” added Clarke.

As previously reported earlier today, all school buses in the Northumberland and Quinte regions were cancelled due to the storm.

Meanwhile, Environment Canada has a yellow snowfall warning in effect both for the Cobourg to Colborne/western Northumberland County area and the eastern Northumberland and Belleville and Quinte regions.

In western Northumberland, Environment Canada’s forecast confidence is described as “high” with heavy snow continuing and additional snowfall amounts of five to 10 centimetres anticipated today. Officials are also warning of reduced visibility in the heavy snow, which is currently anticipated to end this afternoon.

The blast is due to an Alberta clipper that’s bringing old man winter to the region.

Environment Canada said the snow is expected to taper to scattered flurries or drizzle from southwest to northeast this afternoon. In other words, there is also a risk of some freezing drizzle.

Officials added that lesser snowfall amounts are expected near Lake Ontario where a transition to rain or rain-snow mix is possible.

In eastern Northumberland and the Quinte region, Environment Canada is also warning of heavy and local blowing snow, saying additional snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 cm are anticipated. Again, driving conditions are expected to be treacherous due to accumulating and blowing snow, forecasted to end either late this afternoon or evening.

Again, the forecast confidence in the east end is described as high. Officials said the snow will taper to scattered flurries or rain showers later this afternoon or evening.

“Travel will likely be challenging,” stressed officials, adding there may also be a significant impact on rush-hour traffic.

Northumberland OPP has also issued its own winter travel advisory.

(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)