last updated Dec 16, 22:12
Highway 17 from Batchawana to Wawa has been reopened, both north and southbound lanes. At 10:02 Environment Canada ended the snow squall warning for Agawa to Lake Superior Park.
EARLIER – Dec 16, 2016 @ 20:43
Highway 17 from Batchawana to Wawa has been opened to northbound traffic only at this time.
EARLIER Dec 16, 2016 @ 18:08
The highway remains closed from Batchawana to Wawa at this time. Environment Canada continues to warn of snow squalls from Wawa to Agawa Bay, with an additional 5 cm of snowfall accumulation is possible by later this evening before these snow squalls weaken.
More snow is expected from Sault Ste. Marie to St. Joseph Island, total amounts of 15 to 20 cm is expected.
But the bad news for travellers, especially those stranded is that another significant snowfall is on the way overnight into Saturday.
Environment Canada states, “A Colorado low is expected to trek towards Southern Ontario tonight, with snow spreading across much of the region this evening. Snow will continue overnight and much of Saturday, as well as Saturday night. The snow is not expected to be particularly heavy, but the overall duration of the event is significant, and will give a general snowfall of 15 to 20 centimetres by the time it winds down later Saturday night. Deteriorating winter travel conditions can be expected with snow-covered roads and reduced visibility in falling snow.”
EARLIER Dec 16, 2016 @ 09:35 – Sault Ste. Marie OPP advise that “Highway 17 between Heyden and Batchewana has been re-opened, however, the Highway remains closed between Batchewana and Wawa due to ongoing poor weather conditions that have resulted in hazardous driving conditions.”
A Snow squall warning is in effect for Lake Superior Park to Searchmont.
Snow squalls off Lake Superior are currently affecting areas near Agawa Bay and will slowly move northward today. Additional snowfall accumulations of 15 cm are possible today under the most intense snow squalls. 5 cm is expected in the snow squalls between Montreal River Harbour and Searchmont.
Travellers should be aware that another significant snowfall on the way Friday night through Saturday. A Colorado low is expected to trek towards Southern Ontario tonight, with snow spreading across much of the region this evening. Snow will continue overnight and much of Saturday, as well as Saturday night. The snow is not expected to be particularly heavy, but the overall duration of the event is significant, and will give a general snowfall of 15 to 20 centimetres by the time it winds down later Saturday night.
EARLIER: Hwy 17 is closed once again between Wawa and Heyden, due to “Poor weather causing hazardous driving conditions”. OPP closed the highway around 2 am.
