THUNDER BAY – The North West Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding motorists to be careful as the region braces for a winter storm. Environment Canada has issued the following special weather statement for most of the Northwest Region. There is snow in the forecast for the region around Lake Superior and along the Trans-Canada Highway west to Kenora at the Manitoba border.
The weather system is also having an impact on air travel to the north. Wasaya Airways report, “We would like to advise all our guests travelling with us today of possible delays, misconnects, and cancellations due to poor weather forecasted for Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, and Thunder Bay. A winter warm front is moving through the area bringing with it periods of heavy snowfall which will cause low ceilings and poor visibility. The heavy snowfall can also limit our ability to adequately de-ice our aircraft for safe departures”.
Keep up on the Latest flight conditions.
A second and more significant area of snow will move into the region by Saturday afternoon and persist into the evening. Some portions of Northwestern Ontario may see total snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm by Saturday night. There is still considerable uncertainty regarding the locations of the heaviest snowfall.
The OPP is asking motorists to review their travels plans if they plan on driving in the region and recommends people stay home, avoid unnecessary travel and let snow removal crews do their work.
The OPP reminds motorists and the public not to call the OPP for road conditions. You can now call 5-1-1 for interactive up to date road conditions anywhere in Ontario or call the MTO toll-free at 1-800-268-4686.