Northwestern Ontario is bracing for a late blast of winter, with snowfall expected to impact several areas just before the upcoming long weekend. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for parts of the region, where snow accumulation of 10 to 20 centimetres is anticipated from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning.
The affected regions include Atikokan, Shebandowan, Quetico Park, Beardmore, Jellicoe, Macdiarmid, Thunder Bay, Cloud Bay, Dorion, Geraldton, Longlac, Caramat, Kakabeka Falls, Whitefish Lake, Arrow Lake, Manitouwadge, Hornepayne, Marathon, Schreiber, Nakina, Aroland, Pagwa, Nipigon, and Rossport.
According to meteorologist Steven Flisfeder from Environment Canada, the snowfall is expected to begin in the early afternoon, intensify throughout the evening, and persist overnight into Friday morning. Flisfeder advised caution for commuters and travelers, highlighting potentially challenging driving conditions and recommending ample travel time and safe distances between vehicles.
Following this snowfall, another weather system is forecasted to move into the region on Saturday, bringing additional snowfall starting Saturday morning and lasting into Sunday. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and prepare for potentially hazardous road conditions over the weekend.