Hazardous Winter Conditions Expected Through Friday
Snow Squall Watch for Sault Ste. Marie: Up to 20 cm of snow, 80 km/h wind gusts, and near-zero visibility in blowing snow. Hazardous travel expected through Friday
A Snow Squall Watch is in effect for Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island, with intense snowfall and powerful winds set to make for treacherous travel conditions. This morning’s light snow and -7°C temperature are just the beginning—by afternoon, lake-effect snow squalls will intensify, bringing total snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm by Friday morning.
Currently, humidity sits at 95%, and visibility is reduced to 2 km as snow falls over the region. The barometric pressure is at 100.6 kPa and falling, indicating the approach of the low-pressure system fueling this storm.
Blizzard-Like Conditions Developing This Afternoon
The day will see 5 to 10 cm of snowfall, with local blowing snow making for near-whiteout conditions. Winds will shift throughout the day, starting east at 20 km/h, turning south at 20 km/h this morning, and then becoming west at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h this afternoon.
Temperatures will rise slightly to -3°C, but the wind chill will make it feel like -16°C this morning and -9°C in the afternoon.
Tonight: Snow Squalls and Howling Winds
Tonight, flurries and snow squalls will continue, with another 5 cm of accumulation expected. Winds will strengthen to northwest 50 km/h, gusting to 70 km/h, before easing to 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h later in the evening. This will create blowing snow and near-zero visibility, making nighttime travel extremely dangerous.
The low will dip to -9°C, but with the wind chill, it will feel more like -19°C.
Friday: A Slight Improvement, but More Flurries
Flurries will persist on Friday, with another 2 cm of snow expected. Winds will shift throughout the day, starting northwest at 30 km/h before becoming light, then strengthening west at 30 km/h in the afternoon.
Temperatures will remain cold, with a high of -5°C. The wind chill will make it feel like -16°C in the morning and -11°C in the afternoon.
Friday night brings a 60% chance of flurries or snow squalls, with a low of -17°C.
Looking Ahead: Snowy and Cold Weekend
Saturday remains cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries and a high of -7°C. Snow returns Saturday night, with a 70% chance of snowfall and a low of -13°C.
Sunday will be another cloudy day with a 60% chance of flurries and a high of -8°C. The night will remain cloudy with a 60% chance of flurries and a low of -15°C.
What to Wear: Full Winter Gear Required!
With intense snow squalls, blowing snow, and frigid wind chills, today is a parka, snow pants, insulated boots, and heavy gloves kind of day. A scarf or face covering is a good idea to protect against the biting wind. If driving, be sure to pack extra blankets, an emergency kit, and a shovel—just in case!
Did You Know?
Sault Ste. Marie is no stranger to lake-effect snow! Thanks to Lake Superior, the city can see over 300 cm of snow per year—making it one of the snowiest places in Ontario!
Stay safe, drive carefully, and maybe break out the snowblower, Sault Ste. Marie!
