Highway 401 between Brighton and Frontenac closed as widespread power outages continue

It was a wild night here in the Quinte region, and it’s going to be a while before the storm moves out!

The region experiences up to 120 km/hr winds and snow. The system seemed to have an extra punch in the county. There were several reports on social media from passengers, that at least eight VIA Rail trains were stuck overnight from Toronto to Ottawa.

Police continue to encourage people to stay at home today as many roads are shut for safety reasons.

Highway 401 is fully closed between Brighton and Frontenac. The decision was made late last night. The earliest that the stretch of highway may be open today is about 11 a.m. to noon. Lennox and Addington OPP have confirmed this morning that overall across the province, the highway is shut from Oshawa to the Quebec border. Many cars and tractor-trailers were stuck overnight.

All roads remain closed in Prince Edward County. Plows continue to only respond to emergency situations. Those who are on the roads and stranded, are being asked to contact the OPP’s non-emergency phone line at 1.888.310.1122. Police continue to experience high call volumes.

The roads are also closed in Loyalist Township.

Northumberland County, Quinte West, Belleville and Marmora are amoung the many municipalities that have declared Significant Weather Events. This means that plows may not be able to keep up with the standards on the roads. Visit each municipal website and social media channels for the details.

Hydro One crews continue to respond to a long list of outages right along the region from Cobourg to Kingston. Extensive outages continue in Prince Edward County, Trenton, and the Northumberland County area.

Elexicon Energy only has reported small scattered outages in the City of Belleville since the storm first took hold.

Belleville Transit is running today, but passengers are encouraged to keep an eye on the transit app.

Closed today:

• Quinte Mall
• Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team has closed the COVID, Cold, and Flu clinic in Picton
• YMC Branches
• The National Air Force Museum of Canada
• Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre
• Ardens Music Store
• Tropical Blends in downtown Belleville
• Bazaar Artisan Market
• Burger Revolution in Trenton
• Empire Theatre
• Belleville Montanas

Delays:

• Smylie’s Grocery store in Trenton will be opening at 10 a.m and closing early at 4 p.m.
• Campbell’s Orchard will not be open until it is safe.