THUNDER BAY – Weather NOW – Westjet Airlines is advising that due to a winter storm warning that on Wednesday there are likely going to be flight delays. The airline shares, “A winter storm warning has been announced for Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener and London on February 29, 2012.
“This may cause the delay or cancellation of WestJet flights to and from Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener and London. We advise all guests travelling to or from these areas on February 29, 2012 to check the status of their flight status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport”.
Additional updates will be posted as they are available.
WestJet.com (air only) guests who wish to make alternate flight arrangements may do so without penalty, based on availability, by calling 1-888-937-8538 (1-888-WESTJET).
Environment Canada advises, “An intensifying low pressure system over Colorado is forecast to track towards Southern Minnesota tonight reaching the Great Lakes Wednesday afternoon. Snow ahead of this low will reach parts of Northern Ontario Wednesday morning.
For regions near the Minnesota border, snow amounts up to 5 cm are forecast with much higher amounts over Minnesota. The exception is for Thunder Bay and Superior West, where gusty east winds blowing off Lake Superior will generate snow heavy at times and increase snow amounts to 10 to 15 cm on Wednesday. These gusty winds will also cause reduced visibilities in blowing snow. Conditions should improve Wednesday evening as the winds shift to the northeast and weaken.
For regions from Sault Ste. Marie to North Bay, snow will also begin Wednesday morning. Snow will be heavy at times with about 10 cm expected during the day and evening. Reduced visibilities in blowing snow is also a concern. Another 2 to 5 cm are possible overnight before the snow ends Thursday.
The public is advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings as warnings may be required or extended.
However the Weather Channel is still calling for light snow in the morning and snow flurries in the late afternoon for Thunder Bay.
In the United States, NOAA has blizzard warnings in effect for the Dakotas.