Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on area roadways including Highway 401 after Northumberland County got walloped by a severe snow storm on Monday, January 17 2022.
Northumberland OPP say they believe hundreds of vehicles were stuck or stranded as a result of the storm that enveloped most of southern Ontario.
Heavy snow was to much for area plows as they couldn’t keep up with the amount of white stuff.
Northumberland OPP Constable Rob Simpson said drivers were stranded in their vehicles from Highway 401 at Port Hope to west of Colborne.
“My only advice to people out there is that if you don’t have to be anywhere today – stay at home,” said Simpson.
The only injury was to the driver of a transport who flipped on its side into the median and had to be extricated by Brighton Fire Department.
The driver received only minor injuries.
Simpson said with so much snow, the majority of calls throughout the day were people getting stuck.
“Which then impedes snow removal.”
“It’s a vicious cycle.”
Once the roads are cleaned by the plows is the time when collisions happen.
“Once the highways are cleared, people seem to forget the winter driving safety tips.”
Northumberland OPP deployed several snowmobiles along Highway 401 looking for stranded motorists and anyone who needs assistance including people who may not have taken the Emergency Detour Route and become stuck in the snow.
“Sticking to a marked detour route is very important.”
Simpson explains sometimes when people look on their GPS, something that appears to be a roadway, could be a un-maintained roadway.”
“Follow the marked detour routes and you won’t end up in that predicament.”
“Patience is key.”
In Port Hope, two people were dug out of their shelter by members of the Port Hope Police after the shelter collapsed due to the weight of the snow around 7:50 a.m.
Emergency services responded to a 9-1-1 call about a makeshift shelter that collapsed on the people trapping them under the weight of the snow along the west beach.
Port Hope Police Inspector Katie Andrews said both persons suffered no serious injuries.
In Cobourg, like other areas of Northumberland County, vehicles were left abandoned on some streets as there was to much snow for the vehicles.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
