Highway 402 closed; OPP asks drivers to stay off the roads

OPP are asking drivers to stay off the roads this afternoon as winter conditions make driving dangers.

That as Environment Canada issues a Blizzard Warning for Lambton County. We’re in the middle of a major winter storms with snow, high winds and icy conditions. Environment Canada expects the snow and high winds to continue until Saturday morning causing blizzard conditions.

Environment Canada says Blizzard conditions will continue into Saturday morning adding it does not take much accumulation in combination with very strong winds for whiteout conditions to develop.

Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. If you do travel and become lost, remain where you are until the blizzard has passed. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.

The flurries are expected to taper off Saturday morning but the wind will remain strong with high wind chill factors over the weekend.

The high winds has made driving treacherous. Highway 402 between London and Sarnia has been closed. Middlesex OPP are at a multi vehicle collision involving more than 50 vehicles on near Kerwood Road.

Lambton County has declared a significant weather event do to dangerous weather conditions. That means due to the current or anticipated weather conditions, you’re asked to use extreme caution travelling on County of Lambton roads, and that it may take longer than usual to clear roads and bring them back to normal conditions.

The Town of Petrolia notes Waste Management has not been able to complete Friday’s garbage pickup. You’re asked to have your trash at the curb by 7 am Saturday so WM can complete the route.