Thunder Bay – WEATHER – An Alberta Clipper is set to sweep through Northwestern Ontario from December 3 to December 5, 2024, bringing significant snowfall and challenging travel conditions.
Weather Advisory
Winter weather travel advisory in effect for today. Hazards: Locally heavy snowfall with accumulations near 10 cm. Reduced visibility at times in heavy snow.
Timing: This afternoon through tonight.
An Alberta Clipper will bring heavy snow at times to the area beginning this afternoon. The snow is expected to taper off in the overnight period. Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.
For road conditions and other traveller information from the Ministry of Transportation, visit ontario.ca/511, twitter.com/511Ontario, or call 5-1-1.
What is an Alberta Clipper?
If you live in Northwestern Ontario, you’ve likely heard the term “Alberta Clipper” during winter weather forecasts. But what exactly is it?
Essentially, an Alberta Clipper is a fast-moving low-pressure system that originates in or near Alberta, Canada. These systems typically track southeastward across Canada and the northern United States, bringing with them a quick burst of snow and a sharp drop in temperature.
Why “Clipper”?
The name comes from the clipper ships of the 19th century, known for their speed and agility. Like these ships, Alberta Clippers move quickly, often crossing the continent in just a few days.
What to Expect:
- Light to moderate snowfall: Alberta Clippers usually don’t dump massive amounts of snow, but they can still bring several inches of accumulation.
- Strong winds: Winds can be gusty, causing blowing snow and reduced visibility.
- Cold temperatures: One of the hallmarks of an Alberta Clipper is the blast of Arctic air that follows in its wake. Temperatures can plummet significantly after a Clipper passes through.
Impacts:
While Alberta Clippers are generally not as intense as other winter storms, they can still cause disruptions:
- Travel delays: Snow and wind can make driving conditions hazardous.
- School closures: Schools may close due to poor weather.
- Power outages: Strong winds can bring down trees and power lines.
Stay Informed:
It’s important to stay informed about weather conditions during the winter months. Pay attention to forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. If an Alberta Clipper is headed your way, take precautions and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Here’s a detailed forecast for the affected communities:
Kenora
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy with a temperature of -12°C. Barometric pressure at 102.8 kPa and falling. Winds from the west-southwest at 7 km/h. Sunrise at 8:00 AM CST; sunset at 4:20 PM CST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Snow beginning this morning, accumulating near 10 cm. High of -7°C. Winds up to 15 km/h. Wind chill near -20°C in the morning, improving to -15°C in the afternoon.
- December 4: Cloudy with a 60% chance of flurries. High of -7°C. Wind chill around -15°C.
- December 5: A mix of sun and cloud. High of -14°C.
Dryden
Current Conditions: Cloudy at -13°C. Barometric pressure at 102.5 kPa and falling. Winds from the west at 10 km/h. Sunrise at 7:50 AM CST; sunset at 4:30 PM CST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Snow beginning in the morning, with accumulations of 5 to 10 cm. High of -9°C. Wind chill near -22°C in the morning, improving to -14°C in the afternoon.
- December 4: Cloudy with a 60% chance of flurries. High of -9°C.
- December 5: A mix of sun and cloud. High of -14°C.
Fort Frances
Current Conditions: Light snow with a temperature of -14°C. Barometric pressure at 102.2 kPa and falling. Winds from the west at 12 km/h. Sunrise at 7:45 AM CST; sunset at 4:25 PM CST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Periods of snow this afternoon, accumulating 1 to 3 cm. High of -6°C.
- December 4: Cloudy with a couple of snow showers; storm total snowfall of 1 to 3 cm. High of -9°C.
- December 5: Cold with low clouds. High of -11°C.
Atikokan
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy at -10°C. Barometric pressure at 102.6 kPa and falling. Winds from the west at 8 km/h. Sunrise at 7:55 AM EST; sunset at 4:35 PM EST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Cloudy with 2 to 4 cm of snow this afternoon. High of -7°C.
- December 4: Cloudy with snow, accumulating 1 to 2 cm; storm total snowfall of 3 to 6 cm. High of -6°C.
- December 5: Cold with some sun, then turning cloudy. High of -11°C.
Sioux Lookout
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy at -13°C. Barometric pressure at 1027 kPa and falling. Winds from the west at 9 km/h. Sunrise at 8:10 AM CST; sunset at 4:10 PM CST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Snow, accumulating an additional 5 to 10 cm. High of -7°C.
- December 4: Cloudy and breezy with a bit of snow; storm total snowfall of 3 to 6 cm. High of -10°C.
- December 5: Low clouds. High of -11°C.
Pickle Lake
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy at -15°C. Barometric pressure at 1030 kPa and falling. Winds from the west at 6 km/h. Sunrise at 8:20 AM CST; sunset at 4:00 PM CST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Cloudy and cold; a little accumulation of snow late this afternoon. High of -11°C.
- December 4: Cloudy with snow, accumulating 2 to 4 cm; storm total snowfall of 3 to 6 cm. High of -10°C.
- December 5: Very cold with low clouds breaking for some sun. High of -13°C.
Red Lake
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy at -14°C. Barometric pressure at 1025 kPa and falling. Winds from the west at 10 km/h. Sunrise at 8:05 AM CST; sunset at 4:15 PM CST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Snow, accumulating an additional 1 to 3 cm. High of -9°C.
- December 4: Low clouds, windy and colder with a little snow; storm total snowfall of 2 to 4 cm. High of -14°C.
- December 5: Very cold with low clouds breaking for some sun.
Ear Falls
Current Conditions: Ear Falls is reporting mostly cloudy skies with a temperature of -13°C. The barometric pressure is at 1026 kPa and falling, with light winds from the west at 8 km/h. Sunrise is at 8:10 AM CST, and sunset at 4:15 PM CST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Snow is expected in the afternoon, bringing 5 to 10 cm of accumulation. High temperatures will reach -8°C, with wind chills making it feel like -15°C.
- December 4: Cloudy skies persist, with a 60% chance of additional snow showers. Highs will reach -10°C.
- December 5: Low clouds will dominate the day, with occasional breaks for sunshine. Highs will hover around -12°C.
Nipigon
Current Conditions: Nipigon is under mostly cloudy skies at -12°C. The barometric pressure is 1028 kPa and falling, with winds from the west at 10 km/h. Sunrise is at 7:55 AM EST, and sunset at 4:25 PM EST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Snow will develop in the afternoon, bringing 5 to 10 cm of accumulation. High temperatures will reach -7°C, with wind chills near -15°C.
- December 4: Cloudy with additional snow showers, tapering off by evening. Highs will reach -9°C.
- December 5: Low clouds with occasional sunny intervals. Highs will reach -10°C.
Terrace Bay
Current Conditions: Terrace Bay is cloudy at -11°C. The barometric pressure is 1027 kPa and falling, with calm winds. Sunrise is at 7:50 AM EST, and sunset at 4:30 PM EST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Snow will begin in the afternoon, with accumulations of 5 to 10 cm by evening. High temperatures will reach -6°C, with wind chills near -14°C.
- December 4: Snow will linger into the morning, tapering off to flurries by afternoon. Highs will hover near -7°C.
- December 5: Low clouds will persist, with highs reaching -8°C.
Armstrong
Current Conditions: Armstrong is experiencing partly cloudy skies at -14°C. The barometric pressure is at 1030 kPa and falling, with calm winds. Sunrise is at 8:05 AM EST, and sunset at 4:20 PM EST.
Forecast:
- December 3: Snow will develop in the afternoon, with accumulations of 5 to 8 cm expected by evening. Highs will reach -8°C, with wind chills around -16°C.
- December 4: Cloudy skies will persist, with light snow showers bringing an additional 1 to 3 cm. Highs will hover near -10°C.
- December 5: Mainly cloudy skies with occasional sun breaks. Highs will reach -11°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions
Given the heavy snow and cold temperatures across the region, residents are advised to dress in layered clothing, including insulated coats, thermal leggings, and waterproof boots. Scarves, gloves, and hats are essential to combat the wind chill, especially during mornings and evenings.
Weather Trivia
The Alberta Clipper impacting Northwestern Ontario is a classic winter weather system known for its quick-moving nature and ability to produce significant snowfall over a short period. These systems are named after their origin in Alberta, where they develop as low-pressure systems before tracking eastward across the Canadian Prairies.
Winter Driving: Be Prepared, Stay Safe
Winter driving in Northwestern Ontario can be unpredictable. Blizzards, freezing rain, and icy roads are all possibilities, so it’s crucial to be prepared for anything. Here’s a checklist of essential items to keep in your vehicle this winter:
For Winter Weather:
- Snow brush and ice scraper: Essential for clearing snow and ice from your vehicle before you hit the road.
- Shovel: A small, collapsible shovel can help you dig out if you get stuck.
- Warm clothing and blankets: Pack extra layers, hats, gloves, and blankets to stay warm in case of a breakdown or delay.
- Booster cables: Dead batteries are common in cold weather.
- First-aid kit: Always a good idea to have on hand.
- Flashlight with extra batteries: Essential for visibility in low-light conditions.
- Non-perishable food and water: Pack snacks and water in case you get stranded.
- Kitty litter or sand: Provides traction if you get stuck on ice.
- Windshield washer fluid: Make sure it’s rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Especially for Snowy Conditions:
- Tow rope or chain: Helpful if you need to be pulled out of a snowbank.
- Traction mats: Provide extra grip on snow and ice.
- Emergency flares or reflectors: Alert other drivers to your presence if you’re stopped on the side of the road.
- Cell phone charger: Keep your phone charged in case you need to call for help.
Don’t Forget:
- Winter tires: Provide superior traction on snow and ice compared to all-season tires.
- Full tank of gas: Avoid running low on fuel, especially in remote areas.
- Check road conditions: Before heading out, check 511on.ca for road closures and updates.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience this winter.
