Over 300 road service calls following storm

CAA warning drivers to be careful as forecast calling for snow squalls and high winds

With Environment Canada calling for snow squalls and high winds through late Friday into Saturday, CAA Niagara said it’s important for drivers to be as cautious as possible on the roads.

“This means giving yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination, and staying away from all distractions, like your cellphone or adjusting the radio,” said spokesperson Cody Cabral. Environment Canada said snow squalls were expected to impact the north shore of Lake Ontario as they developed off Lake Huron. Visibility will be reduced by the squalls, which could produce accumulations of two to five centimetres in an hour and blowing snow.

Scattered flurries are expected Saturday as well.

Cabral said with the blustery conditions, it’s essential for drivers to see and be seen.

“Make sure that all snow and ice are cleared off your vehicle and check that your brake lights and headlights work properly.”

He said during the storm that started Thursday, CAA’s emergency roadside department responded to 341 calls in Niagara. That’s above average for this time of year.

“The majority of the calls received were due to stuck vehicles, which is commonly caused by heavy snowfall and high winds blowing the snow into the road,” said Cabral.

Niagara Regional Police were busy across the region Thursday as well. Spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin reported there were 15 lower-level collisions that were diverted to collision reporting centres.

There were 16 injury-related collisions in the region and 18 that involved damage on Niagara’s roads.

Sabourin said there were also two hit-and-run calls and added all the numbers were elevated for an average Thursday in the region. While no figures were available, Niagara OPP were busy with crashes on the QEW and a rollover on Highway 3 in Port Colborne. Two women escaped with what are believed to be minor injuries in that rollover just east of Lorraine Road shortly before 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

DAVE JOHNSON TORSTAR Niagara Regional Police, OPP and CAA tow trucks were busy responding to calls across Niagara Thursday. Two women were freed from this vehicle on Highway 3 in Port Colborne minor injuries.