Thursday, December 6, 2001

HIGH WINDS CAUSES HIGHWAY PROBLEMS
Sault Ste Marie, Ont.,

Sault Ste Marie OPP were kept busy with downed wires and trees throughout the night.

OPP responded to four calls throughout the night where either downed trees or wires blocked some of the area highways and side roads.

A report of downed wires across Highway 17 near Anderson Rd has been just been cleared up and the highway is now opened. Officers also attended downed trees on Hwy 17 at the top of the Laird hill just east of Echo Bay. Trees also blocked Hwy 638 north of Echo Bay and Pumpkin Point Rd in Laird Twp.

The Ontario Provincial Police Region Operations Center has also received numerous reports of power outages throughout the Algoma District.

With Environment Canada calling for another day of very strong winds, the OPP would like to remind all motorists to be prepared for the unexpected. It is likely that more wires, trees and all kinds of other debris will be blowing across and down all area roadways.