Staff
Borderland experienced its first snowfall of the season thanks to an “Alberta Clipper.”
About two inches (five cm) of the white stuff and ice covered the ground, trees, and everything else as of this morning, with blustery north winds continuing to buffet residents throughout the day.
But it could have been worse–other parts of the region received much more snow, with Kenora reporting as much as 22.5 cm (nine inches).
Nearly 8,000 Hydro One customers in the region, including several hundred just east of Fort Frances, were without power as recently as this morning.
Hydro One estimated power would be restored by late this afternoon.
Tbaytel cellular service also was down last night and this morning, but was restored locally by around 8:30 a.m.
The poor weather shut down several highways yesterday, including the Trans-Canada, which was closed from Shabaqua to the Manitoba border.
Police reported several collisions and jackknifed transports but no serious injuries.
Both Highway 17 and 71 re-opened around 3 a.m. today while Highway 502 was re-opened around 6 p.m. yesterday.
Road conditions remain poor today, though.
The OPP is urging motorists to clean frost and snow off all their windows, mirrors, and lights, slow down, take extra time to arrive at their destination safely, and drive according to the road and weather conditions.
Do not call 9-1-1 or the OPP’s Provincial Communication Centre for road information.
Rather, you can call 5-1-1 or visit the MTO Ontario 511 website at www.ontario.ca/511
