The Independent

Lambton OPP advise you to avoid travel today as the snow continues to fall. Roads across Lambton County are snow covered with police responding to a number of accidents over the last few hours.

The OPP also closed Confederation Line between Oil Heritage Road/Broadway Street in Wyoming to the Forest Road this morning.

However and Highway 402 between Mandaumin and Oil Heritage Road on the eastbound side was reopened around 1 pm after a tractor trailer jackknifed.

The Ministry of Transportation says roads across the region are snow covered or snow packed in most of Lambton County. Visibility is poor with the light snow being kicked up by winds from the northwest. Environment Canada’s Sarnia weather station has clocked winds at 32 km/h gusting up to 48 km/hour.

That’s also making our -12 C day feel like -28 C.

Environment Canada still has a Snow Squall Warning in effect for the area. Sarnia, Petrolia and Western Lambton County could see an additional 20-40 cm this afternoon as another band of snow squalls moved in from the north across Lake Huron. Officials say visibility will be near zero at times with heavy snow and blowing snow on winds with gusts up to 60 km/h.

Environment Canada says travel will likely be hazardous. Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced to near zero at times. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Officials advise you to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.

All of the Lambton county crews are out on the road, with six trucks operating in the north and another six in the south. Jason Cole, general manager of infrastructure and development in Lambton County, says while all of Lambton County has been seeing the heavy snow, the weather forecast shows the next band of snow may affect the traditional snowbelt areas of Wyoming, Petrolia, Warwick and Lambton Shores with the snow easing up in the south.

Cole advises people to consider if they really need to travel today and if they do, they should give themselves plenty of time to make it to their destinations.

All schools in the county are closed as are local municipal offices. If you have an appointment today, you’re advised to call ahead.

Township of Warwick has declared a Significant Weather Event advising residents to exercise extreme caution when travelling on municipal roads. “Snow removal will continue with a priority on designated primary routes to ensure emergency services can get through. Secondary routes will be cleared after primary routes.”

The weather is not much better across the province. Further up Highway 402, there is an accident at Longwoods Road near Strathroy. All the lanes are closed there as of 9:30 am.

Here are some tips the OPP have if you must drive.

• Consider delaying your trip until the weather improves. Snowplow operators need time to clear the roads. 
• If you must travel, be sure to check the current and forecast weather conditions and monitor the media for weather and road conditions.
• Plan your trip before starting out. Visit the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) web site for road conditions at: www.511on.ca or Municipal 511 at https://www.municipal511.ca/.
• Ensure your fuel tank is full before hitting the road. If you encounter a lengthy traffic delay, you’ll need your vehicle’s heater to stay warm.
• Be sure to dress for winter even though you’ll be in your car. You’ll be protected if you become stranded.
• Carry a winter driving survival kit in your vehicle. Recommended items include a shovel, blanket, warm clothes, food, booster cables, flashlight, high energy foods, matches and a candle.

For more winter driving safety tips, check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website:http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml).