Please stay home and stay safe. That was the message from the OPP Sunday night.
In a media release issued just after 9 p.m., the OPP is advising people to stay off Highway 11, which has been closed in both directions from the West Street exit in Orillia all the way to Huntsville since Saturday.
"Additional vehicles on the roads put occupants at risk and add additional challenges for snow removal," notes the media release.
The OPP say motorists, following their GPS prompts, have been redirected to alternate routes to bypass the highway closure.
"Unfortunately, this has led to Cooper's Falls Road and Houseys Rapids Road becoming impassable, as several vehicles are now stuck in the snow," reports the OPP.
Be wary of GPS warns the OPP, noting in situations like this, "your GPS may not provide accurate directions and could send you onto roads that have been closed or are treacherous."
Highway 11 is expected to remain closed tonight while efforts continue to clear crashed vehicles and the more than 120 centimetres of snow that has fallen since Friday night in some parts of the region north of Orillia.
"Other sections of Highway 11 are also closed at this time, and many other roads in the area are closed or not driveable," notes the media release.
As a result, tractor trailers are asked to use Highway 35 and Highway 400 in the meantime.
While snow removal crews work to clear the highway and surrounding roads, OPP officers, paramedics, and firefighters have been using snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles to check on stranded motorists.
"If you are low on fuel, and still moving, seriously consider finding a safe place to park until you are able to safely get to a gas station or someone can safely bring fuel to you," notes the media release.
Anyone who finds themselves stranded is advised to stay with their vehicle and not venture out on foot. Pedestrians could become lost, or face hazards posed by snow removal equipment, warns the OPP.
The OPP urges people to call 911 in life-threatening situations but to call their non-emergency number (1-888-310-1122) for all other matters.
"Our communications centres have been flooded with calls, so please be patient and ensure the 9-1-1 lines are used only for life-threatening matters," notes the OPP release.
Please refer to 511on.ca/ for road condition updates.
