Emergency crews from across Lambton County were praised after a severe winter storm over the weekend stranded motorists and forced widespread road closures, prompting the county to declare a significant weather event.
St. Clair Fire was dispatched Saturday to assist the Ontario Provincial Police and Lambton County after extreme weather conditions left numerous vehicles stranded on roadways, including Highway 402. The department supported the response using its remotely piloted aircraft system, which was flown over sections of Highway 402 and other affected areas to help locate and assist stranded motorists.
“Thank you St. Clair Fire and Rescue, you played integral role in aiding those trapped yesterday. The OPP were very grateful in having our equipment and expertise during yesterday’s events. My hat goes off to each and everyone of you,” said St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar.
Lambton County declared a significant weather event beginning the morning of Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, due to current and forecasted weather conditions that posed a significant danger to road users. Officials warned that extreme caution was required when travelling and that it could take longer than usual to clear roads and return them to normal conditions. Highway 402 in both directions, along with additional county roads, were closed during the event.
As conditions worsened, the county activated its Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate emergency response efforts and support essential services. Residents were urged to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary, with officials emphasizing that limiting travel would help protect public safety and allow emergency crews to respond more effectively. Warming centres were opened for residents in need of a safe, warm place, while all Lambton County Library branches were closed at the height of the storm.
Lambton Emergency Medical Services experienced prolonged response delays in the Plympton-Wyoming and Lambton Shores areas due to hazardous conditions. Residents were asked at the time to call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies and to seek non-urgent medical advice through Health Connect Ontario until conditions improved.
“Public safety is our top priority,” Agar said in his role as deputy warden. “We are asking residents to take this situation seriously, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow all road closures and safety advisories. These measures help protect both the public and the emergency responders working in challenging conditions.”
Ontario Provincial Police said the significant weather event began the evening of Feb. 6 and continued into the morning of Feb. 7, leaving roads hazardous and, in some cases, impassable. Police urged the public to avoid non-essential travel and respect road closures while road crews and emergency services worked to clear roadways and safely remove stranded vehicles.
“If you are currently stuck on a roadway, please follow these important safety tips: remain inside your vehicle. Leaving your vehicle can be dangerous during winter conditions,” an OPP statement said.
OPP acknowledged that prolonged road closures were challenging for motorists but stressed that cooperation from the public was essential to reopening roadways safely and efficiently.
