OPP warn of treacherous driving conditions

The Ontario Provincial Police have issued a warning about dangerous road conditions on Highway 401 in Essex County.

“Due to blowing and drifting snow and frigid temperatures, Highway 401 is experiencing intermittent whiteout conditions,” reads the warning, issued late this afternoon by OPP Const. Stephanie Moniz. “This is occurring in both east and westbound lanes through Essex County.”

Emergency crews were kept hopping Friday afternoon by a spate of collisions and the weather is only expected to get worse.

The OPP press release advises motorists to slow down and to allow for extra travel time between destinations.

Very dangerous weather tonight. Stay indoors if possible until the storm subsides. Many roads closing.—
OPP West (@OPP_WR) January 25, 2014

Do not take chances with this storm. The winds are extreme, the snow is beginning to fall and it's not a great night for driving!—
OPP West (@OPP_WR) January 24, 2014

@TheWindsorStar @AM800News bumper-to-bumper traffic on 401 E. of Tilbury. Very slow moving traffic http://t.co/hJ46xQth7p—
Yvonne Pilon (@YvonnePilon) January 24, 2014

Wind gusts are creating visibility issues on some E/W county roads in the Tilbury area… please use caution #SlowDown #BeSafe #CKPS #ckont—
Chatham-Kent Police (@CKPSMedia) January 24, 2014

RT @WheatleyOntario: @ckpsmedia on Merlin Rd @ Talbot Trail, blowing snow. http://t.co/ruC3Y1g6I8—
Chatham-Kent Police (@CKPSMedia) January 24, 2014

Communication Rd btw 401 & Blenheim is closed due to weather conditions…plz avoid this area until further notice #BeSafe #CKPS #ckont—
Chatham-Kent Police (@CKPSMedia) January 24, 2014

Be cautious on area roads. Blowing snow and snow is causing dangerous conditions. Caution urged. http://t.co/TmlJ5IWN41—
OPP West (@OPP_WR) January 24, 2014

Photo taken moments ago from Bruce Peninsula OPP cruiser! Dangerous driving conditions! http://t.co/74lqDuhPw0—
OPP West (@OPP_WR) January 24, 2014

Grey County OPP – Hwy. 6 between Fergus and Arthur closed due to weather condtions. If you need to drive be careful and do so safely.—
OPP West (@OPP_WR) January 24, 2014

Strong winds buiding across West Region. Roads are getting slippery due to drifing, several collision reported. Drive with care.—
OPP West (@OPP_WR) January 24, 2014

Wind has picked up and is blowing from the southwest. Watch out for drifting on roadways and drive slow on drifted roads.—
OPP West (@OPP_WR) January 24, 2014