High-impact snowstorm to cause winter travel chaos in NW/northern Ontario
A powerful clipper will bring heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous winter travel to northwestern and northern Ontario Wednesday into Thursday
A significant snowstorm is forecast to impact northwestern and northern Ontario on Wednesday, with the heaviest effects anticipated near and north of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Snowfall totals are expected to range from 10 to 30 cm. Some areas in northern Ontario could even see up to 40 cm. Strong winds and widespread blowing snow may create hazardous travel conditions and could result in road closures.
DON'T MISS: Simple steps you can take to prepare for a winter storm
East of Lake Superior, including the Nickel Belt, mild temperatures and rain ahead of the cold front will transition to snow before ending. A flash freeze is expected as temperatures rapidly drop into the minus teens and even the -20s.
It'll be important to stay alert to the changing and deteriorating conditions, and to monitor the latest weather warnings in your area.
Snow and strong winds to impact northwestern and northern Ontario
A clipper system will bring widespread snow to northwestern Ontario from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, resulting in hazardous travel conditions.
Late Wednesday afternoon sees snowfall spread into southern Manitoba, intensifying through the evening. That will be accompanied by strong 60-80 km/h winds, likely resulting in whiteouts across all major routes.
10-30 cm of snow is possible in southern Manitoba, from Brandon to Winnipeg, and areas north. Conditions will improve Thursday morning, but a sharp cooldown is forecast to drop temperatures from 10 to 20+ degrees.
Snow will push into the region Wednesday evening, with heavy snowfall developing in Kenora and Dryden.
Thunder Bay will initially see light flurries before heavy snow intensifies from Wednesday evening to the overnight as the low-pressure system moves into central-northwestern Ontario, bringing heavy snow to Geraldton, as well.
Snowfall rates could reach 2 cm an hour overnight in areas under the heaviest bands.
By Thursday morning, heavy snow will continue in Thunder Bay, accompanied by strong wind gusts of 40–70 km/h, creating blowing snow and reducing visibility.
By Thursday afternoon, snow will shift towards northeastern Ontario, leaving light flurries in parts of northwestern Ontario.
Accumulations of up to 30 cm, or even higher, are likely for many communities, with significant impacts on highways 11 and 17, including reduced visibility and slow travel.
Residents should prepare for possible school closures, bus cancellations, and challenging commutes caused by poor driving conditions. Ensure travel plans are adjusted accordingly.
More widespread snow expected through the weekend
Another strong clipper system is set to move through the region Friday night into Saturday, bringing widespread snowfall, particularly to areas within the Nickel Belt and Sault Ste. Marie.
DON'T MISS: You asked for a white Christmas, and you may just get it!
The system will maintain changeable temperatures and an active weather pattern, which is expected to persist through Christmas.