Coverage: Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Geraldton, Dryden, Kenora, Fort Frances
Timestamp: Based on the latest Ontario 511 text report check available at time of writing.

What Ontario 511 is showing right now

THUNDER BAY – Roads Update – 10:00 AM February 19 2026: Ontario 511’s Northwestern Ontario incidents list is not reporting any active “emergency” items at this time.
Note: That’s the incidents feed (crashes/closures/major hazards).

Conditions can still be difficult in active winter weather even when no incidents are listed.

Highway-by-highway snapshot

Hwy 17: Kenora → Dryden → Thunder Bay → Nipigon

• Kenora / Dryden west corridor: Expect winter driving conditions with snow possible and increasing winds at times (blowing/drifting snow risk in open stretches). If you’re heading east, top up fuel and washer fluid—spray and road salt build up fast in snow.

• Thunder Bay area: Forecast details indicate ongoing snow, reduced visibility at times, and gusty easterly winds—the kind of setup where conditions can change quickly between town and the highway.

• Thunder Bay → Nipigon (Hwy 11/17 shared stretch): This section is especially prone to blowing snow and sudden visibility drops near the Lake Superior shoreline and exposed hills/cuts.

Hwy 11: Fort Frances → (Atikokan area) → Thunder Bay / Nipigon → Geraldton

• Fort Frances to the east: With snow in the region, plan for snow-covered sections, drifting in open areas, and plows working—especially if winds pick up.

• Nipigon → Geraldton: When systems push through, this stretch can go from “fine” to “whiteout pockets” quickly. If you’re commuting north, give yourself extra time and keep your phone charged.

Travel pointers that matter today (quick and practical)

• Visibility: If snow + wind ramps up, treat it like a “low-visibility day” even if you can see fine at your driveway.

• Speed & spacing: Increase following distance—packed snow + gusts can turn minor braking into a slide.

• Washer fluid: Keep a spare jug in the vehicle. Slush + salt haze is one of the biggest “can’t see” problems on these routes.

• Emergency kit: Blanket, booster cables, snacks, flashlight, and a shovel—standard Northern kit.