Snow Squalls Hammer Kingston-Belleville, Close Sections of Highway 401
Severe snow squalls hit the Kingston-Belleville region, causing significant disruptions on Highway 401. The adverse weather conditions triggered multiple vehicle collisions and prompted local authorities to close sections of the highway.
Highway 401 Closures Due to Snow Squalls
On Tuesday morning, Environment Canada issued snow squall warnings stretching from Kingston to Trenton, affecting southeastern Ontario. The warnings indicated heavy snowfall, with expectations of 5 to 10 centimeters in Kingston and up to 20 centimeters in areas like Prince Edward County.
Traffic Impacts and Safety Measures
The Ontario Provincial Police reported around 50 vehicle collisions that resulted in the closure of Highway 401 in both directions. Key closures included:
- Between Wallbridge Loyalist Road (Belleville) and Glen Miller Road (Trenton)
- Eastbound from County Road 30 to Brighton
- Westbound at Palace Road (Napanee) and Lennox and Addington Road 4 (near Odessa)
Authorities have advised stranded motorists to follow detour routes and seek shelter at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens in Trenton. Police are providing buses to transport individuals from the highway to the shelter as needed. Fortunately, there have been no reports of serious injuries.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
The storm also brought dangerously cold temperatures, with daytime highs around –10°C and overnight lows plummeting to –20°C, compounded by significant wind chill. The snow squall warning for the Kingston area indicates gusts reaching 50 km/h throughout the day.
Since mid-January, the Kingston region has experienced heavy snowfall, with accumulations projected to exceed 100 centimeters by the storm’s end. The warning for the south shore of Prince Edward County was the most severe, reflecting the region’s anticipated 10 to 20 centimeters of snow.
Overall, snowfall continues to pose challenges for travel and safety in the Kingston-Belleville area, with authorities urging caution on the roads.
