Traveller’s Weather Advisory: Spring Storm Brings Hazardous Travel Conditions Across Ontario and Manitoba

THUNDER BAY, ON – March 27, 2025 – If you were planning a road trip across northwestern Ontario or into southern Manitoba, you might want to hit the brakes — figuratively and literally. A series of Special Weather Statements and Snowfall Warnings issued today by Environment Canada spell trouble for travellers, with heavy snowfall, freezing rain, ice pellets, and blowing snow expected across multiple regions from Thursday evening into Friday night.

Reports from 511ON.ca confirm worsening road conditions are expected, especially in Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, Thunder Bay, and the Highway 17 corridor, as a large low-pressure system moves in from the west.

Ontario’s Northwest – Travel Not Advised as Storm Bears Down

If you’re driving anywhere between Thunder Bay and the Manitoba border, including routes along Highways 11 and 17, plan for difficult travel starting late Thursday and worsening significantly by Friday morning.

• Thunder Bay, Dryden, Fort Frances, Kenora, and Vermilion Bay are all under Special Weather Statements with 10 to 20 cm of snow expected, plus ice pellets or freezing rain near the U.S. border.

• Roads are likely to become snow-covered and slick, and blowing snow may reduce visibility to near-zero at times.

• 511ON.ca is reporting that crews are on standby, and plowing will be underway, but delays and temporary closures may occur depending on how quickly the snow accumulates.

Thunder Bay Transit and regional bus services should be monitored for delays or schedule changes.

Northeast Ontario – Ice Storm Potential Raises Red Flags

Communities such as Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Geraldton are also in the path of a major spring ice storm, forecasted to begin Friday and continue into Monday.

• Freezing rain and ice pellet accumulations are likely in these areas, with ice accretion reaching up to 20 mm in some places.

• Slippery sidewalks, downed tree limbs, and power outages are all possible, and travel on untreated roads could become treacherous.

• If you’re planning to travel south toward Parry Sound or Kingston, reconsider your timing — this is where some of the worst icing conditions may occur by Saturday.

Southern Manitoba – Winnipeg’s Warning for 30 cm of Snow

In southern Manitoba, a Snowfall Warning has been issued for Winnipeg, with up to 30 cm of snow expected by Friday evening.

• Snow begins this afternoon, intensifies overnight, and continues all day Friday, accompanied by gusting winds and blowing snow.

• Highway travel from Brandon to Winnipeg and routes north of Steinbach will likely be impacted.

• Manitoba 511 notes that travel will become hazardous, and snow-clearing efforts may struggle to keep up during peak snowfall hours Friday morning and afternoon.

If you’re heading west toward Portage la Prairie, Morden, or U.S. border crossings, allow for delays or consider postponing travel.

Safety First – Road Tips for Stormy Spring Travel

• Avoid non-essential travel on Friday if you’re in the path of heavy snow or freezing rain.

• Check 511ON.ca and Manitoba511.ca regularly for live updates, road closures, and plowing conditions.

• Pack an emergency winter kit in your vehicle: blanket, charger, food, flashlight, and extra warm gear.

• Slow down, give snowplows room, and be ready for sudden whiteout conditions in open stretches of highway.

Wrap-Up – March Goes Out with a Blast

While March is known for unpredictable weather, this storm system is delivering a full-blown winter encore. From icy roads in Sudbury to heavy snow in Winnipeg, and blowing snow across Highway 17, it’s a challenging couple of days for anyone venturing out on Ontario and Manitoba roads.

Best travel advice? If you don’t have to go anywhere — don’t. And if you do, go prepared and stay informed. This storm isn’t joking around.