Brace for 15 to 25 cm of Snow as an Alberta Clipper Moves In
Kenora braces for a winter storm, with 15-25 cm of snow expected tonight into Friday. Travel will be hazardous as an Alberta Clipper moves through
Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region are under a Winter Storm Warning and Snowfall Warning as a major snowstorm is set to hit the area tonight into Friday morning. This Alberta Clipper will bring 15 cm of snow, with local amounts nearing 25 cm possible. Snowfall rates could reach 2 to 4 cm per hour, drastically reducing visibility and making travel hazardous.
Currently, Kenora is sitting at -3.9°C under cloudy skies. Winds from the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 35 km/h, are producing a wind chill of -10°C. Humidity is at 80%, and visibility remains decent at 24 km, but that will change as the storm rolls in. The barometric pressure is at 101.4 kPa and rising, indicating stable conditions for now, but that will shift once the clipper arrives.
What is an Alberta Clipper?
An Alberta Clipper is a fast-moving, low-pressure winter storm that originates in Alberta before racing southeast across the country. These systems bring quick bursts of heavy snow, strong winds, and sudden temperature drops. While clippers don’t always bring the most moisture, their speed and intensity can cause dangerous travel conditions in a short period.
Today’s Forecast: Cloudy with a Chance of Flurries
Kenora will see mainly cloudy skies today, with a 40% chance of flurries this morning. Winds from the northwest at 20 km/h will ease early, allowing for a high of -3°C. However, the wind chill will make it feel closer to -12°C in the morning and -7°C in the afternoon. The UV index remains low at 2.
Tonight: Heavy Snow and Poor Visibility
The storm arrives this evening, bringing 10 to 15 cm of snow overnight. Winds will shift to the south at 20 km/h, becoming light after midnight. The low will reach -7°C, with a wind chill of -10°C. Roads, highways, and walkways will quickly become snow-covered and slippery, making for dangerous driving conditions.
Friday and the Weekend: More Snow and a Deep Freeze
Friday morning will see lingering snowfall before tapering off to a 40% chance of flurries in the afternoon. An additional 2 cm is expected. Winds will shift north at 20 km/h, and temperatures will remain cold, with a high of -6°C. Wind chills will be brutal, feeling like -14°C throughout the day.
Friday night will bring cloudy periods and a 40% chance of flurries, with the temperature plummeting to -22°C.
Saturday will be sunny but frigid, with a high of -9°C. The night will be clear, with a low of -16°C.
Sunday sees a slight warm-up, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of -2°C. Overnight, it will be cloudy with a low of -7°C.
Monday brings a bigger temperature jump, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of +4°C. However, flurries or rain showers may return Monday night, with a low of -4°C.
What to Wear: Prepare for Snow and Bitter Cold
With heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures in the forecast, full winter gear is essential. A warm insulated coat, gloves, a hat, and a scarf will help battle the cold, while waterproof boots with good traction are a must for navigating deep snow. For those traveling tonight or tomorrow morning, having an emergency kit, blankets, and extra supplies in your vehicle is highly recommended.
Kenora Weather Trivia: The Lake Effect
Did you know that Lake of the Woods can influence snowfall patterns? While it’s not as extreme as the Great Lakes, the open water can enhance snowfall in the surrounding area, sometimes creating localized heavier bands of snow. This could mean Kenora sees even more snow than expected from this storm!
Stay safe, drive cautiously, and prepare for a snowy and slippery next 24 hours!
