UPDATE AT 2:30pm: All highways in the region have reopened.
UPDATE AT 12:30pm: Hwy. 101 between Timmins and Chapleau open again, as is Hwy. 655 between Timmins and Driftwood.
UPDATE AT 10:30am: Environment Canada has downgraded the weather warning to a blowing snow advisory. NW wind to 60 km/h causing blowing snow and reduced visibility this afternoon; 50km/h this evening, then becoming light. All closures remain in effect at this hour.
UPDATE AT 7:10am:
Many area highways still remain closed due to weather:
- HWY 101 CLOSED FROM HWY 11 MATHESON TO THE QUEBEC BORDER
- HWY 101 CLOSED FROM CHAPLEAU TO TIMMINS
- HWY 11 CLOSED FROM LONGLAC TO NEW LISKGEARD
- HWY 655 CLOSED FROM JCT HWY 11 TO NORTH OF TIMMINS
- HWY 144 CLOSED FROM HWY 101 TIMMINS
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They also advise that driving on a closed highway can result in a fine of $110 and three demerit points.
The winter storm we’re experiencing is forcing cancellation of several events and services across our region. A good rule of thumb is to check to see if whatever activity you were planning on participating in is going ahead, and if you don’t absolutely have to go out today, stay home.
Ontario Provincial Police say a lot of highways in the Northeast are already closed, with more expected. They suggest checking with Ontario 511, which you can do by clicking here.
As of 11:45am in Timmins-Cochrane-Iroquois Falls area, the following stretches of highway are reported by Ontario 511 include:
- Highway 101 from Matheson to the Québec border
- Highways 11 and 655 between Smooth Rock Falls and Timmins
Here are the latest weather conditions and forecast from Environment Canada for Timmins, Cochrane and Iroquois Falls.
UPDATE February 24th: Timmins Transit has posted this on its Facebook page: “Transit service has been temporarily suspended until further notice. Public works has declared a significant weather event as per O.Reg 239 and we have been advised to stay off the roads. It is unlikely that service will resume before end of day today. It is expected to be regular service for Monday morning.”