A low pressure system from Alberta is currently over the Dakotas and will track across Northern Ontario today. A southerly flow ahead of this system will bring a surge of warmer air to the region resulting in a wintery mix of precipitation for Northern Ontario.
Special weather statement in effect for:
Agawa – Lake Superior Park
Sault Ste. Marie – St. Joseph Island
Searchmont – Montreal River Harbour – Batchawana Bay
For Northeastern Ontario: periods of light snow will continue today with snowfall amounts of up to 5 cm possible before temperatures rise above the freezing mark. Snow could become mixed with ice pellets or freezing rain before ending or changing to light rain. On Sunday, patchy light rain or drizzle is forecast to change to flurries as a cold front passes and temperatures drop below zero. If surfaces are wet as the freezing occurs, very icy conditions may develop.
For areas north of the Minnesota border from the Lake of the Woods to Thunder Bay and Superior North: periods of snow will continue with a few centimetres of accumulation expected before the snow becomes mixed with or transitions to ice pellets later this morning. Superior North may be the exception, where flow of the lake contributes moisture to the system allowing for higher amounts of 5 to possibly 10 cm. In addition, there is a risk of freezing rain, primarily for areas near the Lake Superior shore.
For the swath of Northern Ontario extending from the Manitoba border near Kenora and Red Lake to the Quebec border near Little Abitibi: periods of snow continue with general snowfall amounts expected to be in the 5 to 10 cm range. For areas well north of superior, including Armstrong and Nakina, there is some indication that snowfall amounts could be higher, with storm totals approaching 15 cm. A snowfall warning has been issued for Kapuskasing – Hearst and Little Abitibi – Kesagami Lake where near 15 cm of snow is expected within 12 hours this afternoon and evening.
Poor winter travelling conditions are expected across Northern Ontario. Motorists are urged to exercise caution as untreated surfaces may become snow covered and/or slippery.
Environment Canada meteorologists are watching the evolution of this system closely and will issue further statements or alerts as required.
