From Thunder Bay to Pickle Lake—A Messy Mix of April Weather Complicates Travel Plans
Thunder Bay – NEWS – If you’re travelling anywhere across Northwestern Ontario today—from Thunder Bay and Nipigon, up through Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake, Dryden, Kenora, Fort Hope, and Ogoki—you’ll need more than a coffee to get through the drive.
A large, slow-moving low-pressure system, a Colorado Low, is dishing out a complicated and challenging mix of weather, ranging from heavy snowfall and blowing snow to rain and freezing rain, depending on your location and elevation.
Several areas—including Fort Hope, Ogoki, Lansdowne House, Beardmore, Upsala, Raith, Atikokan, and Sioux Lookout—remain under Snowfall Warnings, with 15 to 25 cm of snow possible through tonight and into Tuesday. Inland areas and regions at higher elevations are particularly at risk for significant accumulations.
Meanwhile, along Lake Superior’s north shore, communities like Nipigon and Rossport are facing a Winter Weather Travel Advisory, with a rain-to-snow transition underway and 10 cm of snow possible inland, along with strong northwest winds gusting up to 60 km/h.
Key Hazards for Travellers:
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Visibility may suddenly be reduced to near zero in heavy snow and blowing snow, particularly in open areas such as stretches along Highway 17, Highway 11, and access roads north of the Trans-Canada.
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Freezing rain risks are also in play this morning in parts of Ogoki, Beardmore, and Upsala, making for slick roads and walkways.
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Even where snowfall is minimal—such as Kenora and Thunder Bay—strong winds and rain turning to slush will complicate travel and reduce traction on roadways.
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Temperatures are holding near 0°C, but with wind chills dipping as low as –13°C in some areas tonight and tomorrow morning, road salt and melting are slowed, increasing the risk of icy patches.
Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays. Drivers should be alert for rapidly changing conditions, especially where rain transitions to snow or where blowing snow suddenly cuts visibility. Walkways and parking lots may also become slippery or snow-covered in a short period of time.
Traveller Tips:
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Avoid non-essential travel where warnings are in place.
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If you must drive, allow extra time, slow down, and give snowplows space to do their job.
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Pack a winter emergency kit, even in April—it’s still Northern Ontario out there!
For road conditions and the latest updates from the Ministry of Transportation, visit ontario.ca/511, follow @511Ontario on Twitter, or dial 5-1-1.
