Snow Squall Warning: Hazardous Winter Weather in Effect
A Snow Squall Warning has been issued for Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island, with significant lake-effect snow expected today and into Friday. Current conditions at Sault Ste. Marie Airport report a temperature of -10.5°C under mostly cloudy skies. Winds from the north-northeast at 14 km/h create a wind chill of -17°C, and visibility stands at 13 km. The barometric pressure is rising at 100.9 kPa, signaling a dynamic weather shift.
Snowfall and Hazards
The forecast predicts accumulations of 30 to 50 cm of snow through Friday, with peak snowfall rates of 5 to 10 cm per hour. Blowing snow and very poor visibility will make travel conditions treacherous. Snow squalls will shift periodically, but areas under persistent bands could see even higher totals.
Thursday Forecast: Heavy Snow and Blowing Wind
Snow squalls will intensify as the day progresses, with flurries at times heavy and periods of local blowing snow. Up to 15 cm of snow is expected by evening. Winds from the northwest will strengthen to 40 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, keeping the wind chill near -19°C.
Thursday Night
Snow squalls will continue overnight, delivering an additional 20 cm of snow. Gusty west winds at 40 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h, will contribute to blowing snow and near-zero visibility in some areas. The low temperature will dip to -9°C, with a wind chill of -19°C.
Friday Forecast: Snow Gradually Eases
On Friday, snow squalls will persist in the morning, bringing another 5 to 10 cm of snow before tapering off later in the day. Winds will ease to 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, as the high reaches -4°C. Wind chills will range from -17°C in the morning to -10°C in the afternoon. The night will clear, with a low of -11°C.
Weekend Outlook: A Milder Trend
Saturday
Clouds will increase, and temperatures will climb to a high of 1°C. Overnight, expect cloudy skies and a low near -1°C.
Sunday
A high of 3°C is forecast under cloudy skies, with a 30% chance of flurries. The night will remain cloudy, with a low of 3°C.
Travel and Safety Tips
- Postpone non-essential travel as road closures are possible.
- Visibility can drop to near zero, so drive with extreme caution.
- Ensure your vehicle is stocked with emergency supplies, including blankets, water, and a flashlight.
- Keep an eye on elderly neighbors and ensure pets are safely indoors.
Snow Squall Trivia: What Makes Them Unique?
Snow squalls are intense but localized. They can cause conditions to shift rapidly from clear skies to heavy snowfall within a few kilometers, creating a snow globe effect that disrupts visibility and travel.
