Colorado Low Bringing Winter Storm Conditions to Northern Ontario

THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – The winter storm tracking from Colorado is now starting to make its presence known over Northwestern Ontario. 

There are snowfall warnings in effect for the western part of the region, and special weather statements in effect for Thunder Bay and district. Roadways are going to be slippery in many cases and in the city, sidewalks are likely to be very slippery.

Air travel could be impacted, in particular for flights out of Sioux Lookout and Pickle Lake.

Wasaya Airways advises, “We would like to advise all our guests travelling with us this morning of possible delays, misconnects, and cancellations due to poor weather forecast for Northwestern Ontario. Most of Northwestern Ontario will experience snow and and low ceilings today.”

As of 07:00 EST there are delays at the Thunder Bay International Airport for a number of arrivals and departures.

To check for any delays visit; Air Travel on NNL.

UPDATE: School Buses

For Thunder Bay – Lakehead Board of Education:

Currently ALL Schools are Open and ALL School Bus Routes are Running.

Due to the Weather and Road Conditions, Bus Delays May Occur.

For Kenora – Dryden – Ignace

Consortium Buses have been cancelled for DRYDEN/VERMILION BAY (Iron Range Bus Lines & Hutchison Bus Lines).

UPSALA HWY BUS TO IGNACE –  cancelled  Wray Bus Lines  (Local Upsala  & Ignace Bus is running)

Dryden and Sioux Lookout are the only areas which are under a snowfall warning for the day.  Conditions are good in Sioux Lookout with IMOS and Town of Sioux Lookout already out and clearing/sanding.  Visibility has deteriorated in the Dryden/Vermilion Bay areas with heavier snow expected.

We will continue to closely monitor the other service areas but buses WILL be running in Kenora, Red Lake/Ear Falls, Sioux Lookout,  Ignace local, Upsala local and Pickle Lake.

Please continue to check our website  www.nwobus.ca for updates.  Please ensure you have a plan for your family if we find ourselves in an early bus dismissal position.

This decision was a very difficult one to make this morning as this storm is unstable and stalled in some areas while moving more quickly in others.  Reports also indicate that both Emcon and IMOS are out in full force on our highways.  Please remember that ultimately it is your decision as a parent on whether you use the bussing system.

All schools remain open.

Winter Weather Updates

Snowfall warning for:
      Dryden - Ignace
      Fort Frances - Rainy Lake
      Sioux Lookout - Savant Lake.

Snowfall, with total amounts of about 15 cm is expected.

A Colorado low is forecast to track northeastwards and reach 
northern Minnesota this afternoon. A large area of snow has spread 
across northwestern Ontario as expected with snow expected to 
continue today and tonight. Snowfall amounts of near 15 centimetres 
are possible across an area extending from the Minnesota border 
north to Sioux Lookout today into tonight. Motorists should expect 
hazardous winter driving conditions from low visibility in heavier 
snow and accumulating snow, and adjust travel plans accordingly. 
Periods of light snow will continue on Thursday, with perhaps one or 
two additional centimetres of snow expected.

Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces 
such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become 
difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Snowfall warnings 
are issued when significant snowfall is expected.

Special Weather Statement
for northern Ontario
updated by Environment Canada
at 6:14 a.M. EST Wednesday 16 December 2015.

Special Weather Statement for:
      City of Thunder Bay
      Superior West.
      Kenora - Nestor Falls
      Atikokan - Upsala - Quetico
      Red Lake - Ear Falls
A Colorado low is forecast to track northeastward reaching northern Minnesota this afternoon. This weather system has brought a large area of snow to northwestern Ontario as expected. Thunder Bay and surrounding areas can expect the snow to be mixed at times with ice pellets this morning. The snow is expected to change over to rain this afternoon across Thunder Bay and near the shore of Lake Superior, which will hold snowfall amounts to near 5 cm in the city. However, higher elevations and areas to the west and north of Thunder Bay can expect snowfall amounts closer to 10 cm by tonight. Brisk easterly winds off of Lake Superior can also be expected throughout the day with gusts near 60 km/h. Rain or a rain and wet snow mix will change back to snow tonight as temperatures drop back below freezing by Thursday morning. A couple more centimetres of snow is possible overnight as a result. Poor winter driving conditions are expected especially in the areas west and north of the city where more snow will fall. Motorists should allow extra time to reach their destination.