Cleanup efforts are continuing across Northumberland County following a significant winter storm that brought heavy snowfall, difficult driving conditions and widespread disruptions earlier this week.
The storm moved into the region during the early morning hours and persisted through the day, leading to hazardous travel conditions on local roads and major highways. Emergency crews across the county responded to numerous weather-related calls, while municipal crews worked extended hours to clear roads, sidewalks and parking areas.
Police and emergency services also responded to several collisions during the storm. Among them was a three-vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer on westbound Highway 401 in Cramahe. One lane was temporarily blocked while traffic moved slowly through the area. Police and EMS attended the scene, where non-serious injuries were reported, and a heavy tow was required to remove the damaged vehicles. Traffic restrictions have since been cleared and normal flow has resumed.
Elsewhere along the 401 corridor, police also responded to other collisions during the storm, including a multi-vehicle crash involving a jack-knifed tractor trailer near Port Hope. No serious injuries were reported locally.
The weather prompted a range of closures and service disruptions across the county and surrounding communities, including municipal facilities, libraries, recreation centres and some provincial offices. Snowplow operators worked throughout the event, prioritizing main routes before moving into residential and rural areas once snowfall eased.
Northumberland County also advised that some waste and recycling collection routes were missed due to poor road conditions. Residents whose collection did not occur were asked to remove materials from the curb and place them out again on their next regularly scheduled collection day. For impacted households, temporary increases to bag limits were put in place.
County officials continue to remind residents to use caution during cleanup operations and to remain patient as crews complete remaining work.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
