Heavy Snowfall and Freezing Rain Set to Make Travel Hazardous

Sault Ste. Marie faces a Winter Storm Warning with heavy snow, freezing rain, and gusty winds. Travel will be hazardous—stay updated on conditions

Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island are under a Winter Storm Warning as a potent system moves in, bringing heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and gusty winds.

Conditions are expected to deteriorate by early this afternoon, with a messy mix of precipitation lasting through Thursday morning.

Current Conditions (7:00 AM EDT, March 19, 2025)

At Sault Ste. Marie Airport, the temperature sits at 1.7°C under mostly cloudy skies. The humidity is at 90%, and the barometric pressure is 101.0 kPa and falling, signalling the approaching storm. Winds are currently calm, but that will change as the system intensifies.

Visibility remains good at 24 km, but that won’t last long once the snow and freezing rain arrive.

Storm Timeline & Expected Conditions

Today (Wednesday, March 19, 2025)

The morning starts off cloudy, with a 40% chance of flurries or drizzle. By midday, a mix of rain and freezing rain will move in, creating slick and hazardous conditions. Rainfall amounts could reach 10 to 15 mm, and temperatures will rise to 4°C. The UV index remains low at 1—not that anyone will be sunbathing today.

Tonight

Rain and freezing rain will transition into a wintry mix of snow, rain, and ice pellets as colder air moves in. By late evening, expect 5 to 10 cm of snow, with north winds at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h. Roads will become treacherous, with icy surfaces and reduced visibility. Overnight lows will drop to -3°C, with wind chills making it feel more like -9°C.

Thursday, March 20, 2025

The storm will start winding down in the morning, but not before leaving an additional 2 to 4 cm of snow. Skies will clear later in the day, but northwest winds of 40 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, will make it feel like -10°C in the morning. The high for the day will be 0°C, with a moderate UV index of 4.

Thursday night will bring cloudy periods, with temperatures plunging to -8°C.

Friday, March 21, 2025

Expect mostly cloudy skies with a 40% chance of flurries and a daytime high of +1°C. By nighttime, snow is likely, and temperatures will fall sharply to -13°C.

Travel & Safety Advisory

Rapidly accumulating snow, ice buildup, and gusty winds will make travel difficult. Roads, highways, and walkways will be slippery, and power outages are possible due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines. If you can, postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve.

What to Wear

Today and tonight, waterproof layers are a must, as rain and freezing rain will soak through regular winter gear. Insulated boots with good traction are essential to navigate icy sidewalks. By Thursday, bundling up with a winter coat, gloves, and a hat will be necessary, especially with that biting wind chill.

Weather Trivia

Did you know the highest recorded temperature for March 19 in Sault Ste. Marie was 15.2°C in 2012? Quite a contrast to today’s stormy conditions! The record low? A bone-chilling -27.2°C in 1965.

Stay safe and warm, Sault Ste. Marie—this storm is packing a punch!