Winter storm watch in effect for:
- Blind River – Thessalon
- Espanola – Killarney
- Manitoulin Island
- Elliot Lake – Ranger Lake
A major winter storm is expected late this week into the holiday weekend.
Hazards:
Total snowfall amounts of 20 to 40 cm by Saturday or Saturday night.
Snow squalls Saturday into Monday for Sault Ste. Marie area.
Timing:
Thursday into Saturday.
Snow squalls potentially last until Monday.
Discussion:
Snowfall is expected to begin overnight into Thursday morning with light accumulations expected. Snow may mix with rain over Manitoulin Island Thursday afternoon. The heaviest snow is expected Thursday evening into Friday. Total snowfall accumulations are forecast to be in the 20 to 40 cm range by Saturday evening; however, there is still uncertainty regarding these amounts. Strong northwesterly winds are then expected to generate snow squalls for the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing additional snowfall.
Impacts:
Avoid travel if possible. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone.