UPDATE: As of 4 pm, Highway 400 remains closed. An update of this story can be found here.
A multi-vehicle crash has Highway 400 closed south of Mapleview.
According to the OPP, northbound and southbound lanes are closed between Mapleview and Innisfil Beach Road.
UPDATE: COLLISION: #Hwy400 between Mapleview and Innisfil Beach Rd #Barrie – NB and SB lanes closed. ^kw”
— OPP GTA Traffic (@OPP_GTATraffic) February 25, 2019
Sgt. Kerry Schmidt is on the scene and says a fuel tanker is also involved, along with 20 to 30 vehicles. His videos show blowing snow, and near whiteout conditions in the region during the accident.
There are no reports of injuries yet, and the OPP is advising the public to avoid the area.
Multi vehicle pile up on #Hwy400 SB south of Mapleview #Barrie #PileUp #WinterStorm #WhiteOut pic.twitter.com/LYR8H9mlFt
— Sgt Kerry Schmidt (@OPP_HSD) February 25, 2019
Environment Canada had issued a blowing snow advisory for Toronto this morning, saying reduced visibilities due to local blowing snow would continue today.
“Flurries and strong westerly winds with gusts of 60 to 90 km/h are expected today. Any fresh snow will be whipped up by the winds creating areas of reduced visibility in exposed areas. Snowfall accumulations are expected to be light,” states the advisory.
Conditions will slowly improve this morning as winds begin to diminish.
multi vehicle pile up on #Hwy400 SB south of Mapleview #PileUp #WinterStorm #WhiteOut pic.twitter.com/htK6XfnYTW
— Sgt Kerry Schmidt (@OPP_HSD) February 25, 2019
Earlier today, the OPP said that “dangerous snow squalls with blizzard-like conditions across many regions throughout southern and central #Ontario continue,” and advised drivers to avoid non-essential travel.
Dangerous snow squalls with blizzard-like conditions across many regions throughout southern and central #Ontario continue. Please #DriveSafe, use full vehicle lighting system and avoid non-essential travel #ONstorm pic.twitter.com/cTilLJkz7m
— Ontario Prov Police (@OPP_News) February 25, 2019