THUNDER BAY – Spring storm in the forecast! It might almost be the end of winter, but with temperatures across western Canada well below normal, it is more like the middle of winter. A blizzard warning is in effect for Winnipeg, and up to 15 cm of snow are in the forecast for much of Northwestern Ontario.

Spring Storm

Environment Canada reports, “A low pressure system over Eastern North Dakota will track into Minnesota today then to Lake Superior tonight. As the system Advances eastward, snow currently over Northwestern Ontario will continue to advance east to reach the Lakehead area at Thunder Bay and Lake Nipigon regions by this evening.

Most regions in Northwestern Ontario will receive total snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 cm today and tonight. It is possible that one Or two locales could locally receive a total of 15 to 20 cm of snow from this disturbance.

Further east, snow will move into areas near Lake Superior and Northeastern Ontario this evening with many locales receiving near 10 cm by Tuesday morning.

Enough snow may fall to cause driving conditions to deteriorate and become hazardous at times due to accumulating snow on untreated roads. Gusty winds will also give reduced visibility in local blowing snow. Motorists should exercise caution and allow for extra time to reach their destination.

Latest indications continue to suggest the snowfall amounts will be close to, but generally just below the warning threshold of 15 cm per 12 hours. However if this disturbance remains a little more intense than currently expected, snowfall warnings may be required for parts of Northwestern Ontario.

Environment Canada is closely monitoring this situation.