THUNDER BAY – A winter storm is making its way across much of Northwestern Ontario. Conditions on the western part of the province are already showing significant snowfall amounts, with Highways in the Kenora region closed. Highway 17 is closed from Dryden to the Manitoba boundary as of 6:00 pm on December 4th.
For the City of Thunder Bay, there has been raining throughout the day, but there currently are no weather advisories or warnings for the city. Though Monday heavy fog reduced many flights north from the Thunder Bay International Airport.
However, there are Rainfall Warnings for the areas close to Lake Superior including Nipigon and Marathon.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for Kenora, Dryden, Red Lake, Pickle Lake, Mishkeegogaming, Savant Lake, Sioux Lookout. Most flights from the Pickle Lake and Sioux Lookout Airports have been delayed or canceled.
Winter storm warning in effect for:
- Pickle Lake – Cat Lake
- Summer Beaver – Wunnummin Lake – Kingfisher Lake
- Dryden -Vermilion Bay
- Ignace – Mishkeegogaming – Pickle Lake – English River
- Sioux Lookout – Savant Lake
- Red Lake
- Kenora – Rainy River – Fort Frances
Hazardous winter conditions are expected.
An intensifying winter storm is tracking toward Northern Ontario and will reach the far northern parts of the province on Tuesday.
Snowfall associated with this storm is expected to become heavy tonight and persist throughout the day on Tuesday. Total snowfall amounts in the 20 to 40 cm range are likely by Wednesday morning. Additionally, strong and gusty northwesterly winds will develop on Tuesday, resulting in near blizzard conditions in some areas due to a combination of falling and blowing snow.
Conditions will gradually improve on Wednesday.
Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.
