Crashes, road closures follow arrival of heavy snowfall in London region

Heavy snowfall and treacherous road conditions led to a number of collision and resulting road closures across the London region, Wednesday, even despite advanced warnings from meteorologists and police.

Environment Canada issued a yellow snowfall warning for London, Parkhill and Eastern Middlesex County on Wednesday. Up to 10 cm of snow is expected with wind gusts near 50 km/h, which could result in blowing snow and low visibility.

Yellow alerts mark hazardous weather that could cause damage, disruption or health impacts.

"The most intense will be anytime this morning into the early afternoon, but the snow will continue into the evening hours and into Thursday when the snow will be localized," said meteorologist Yoseph Mengesha.

Wednesday's snowfall is the result of an Alberta clipper pushing into the region, Mengesha said. Cold temperatures will continue, as wind chill values are expected to drop as low as -22 C.

Ontario Provincial Police are advising drivers to travel cautiously as roads will be slick, slippery and wet.

"We want everyone to stay safe on the roadways so when you see snow, go slow. When you see ice, think twice," said Sgt. Ed Sanchuk in a video posted on X.

By late Wednesday morning the snow arrived in the region, and in short order police reported closures on two busy stretches of highway in the region.

The westbound lanes of Highway 402 were closed in two locations, between Nauvoo and Kerwood roads in Lambton county, and at Centre Road. Both closures, police said, were due to crashes in those areas.

Further west, toward Windsor, highway 401's westbound lanes were closed at Puce Road due to a multi-vehicle collision, prompting police to warn drivers heading in that direction to expect delays.

Sanchuk is reminding drivers to pack an emergency kit equipped with a blanket, scraper, charger, snacks and extra clothes.