THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Northwestern Ontario is going to see unsettled weather today. A low pressure system from the Prairies will be tracking towards the Great Lakes today and Friday, then through Northeastern Ontario Saturday. Precipitation well ahead of the low centre is forecast to begin as snow, affecting areas north and northeast of Lake Superior this afternoon or evening.
Special weather statement in effect for:
- Marathon – Schreiber
- Nipigon – Rossport
- Geraldton
- Longlac
- Manitowadge
- Hornpayne
- Nakina
- Aroland
Winter storm bringing mixed precipitation to Northern Ontario
For the swath of regions extending from Southern Lake Nipigon southeast along the superior shore towards Southern Algoma: the snow may become mixed with ice pellets before transitioning to a period of freezing rain Friday morning or afternoon. The freezing rain could persist for a few hours before a change to snow or rain occurs. Freezing rain warnings may be required for some locales.
For areas just to the north, from Armstrong and Geraldton through Northern Algoma towards Temagami: the precipitation is forecast to remain predominantly snow, but may become mixed with ice pellets at times. Current indications suggest that snowfall totals through Saturday could be in the 10 to 20 cm range, however areas that receive more ice pellets would have reduced accumulations. Some regions may meet the snowfall warning criteria of 15 cm of snow within 12 hours.
There is still some uncertainty in the track of the low, and thus precipitation types and amounts. Environment Canada meteorologists are watching the development of this system closely and will issue further statements or alerts as needed.
