Incoming winter storm prompts weather alerts, cancels all school buses in northeast

Most of northeastern Ontario is under flash freeze and winter storm warnings as a cold front will bring a dramatic drop in temperature Wednesday, prompting school bus cancellations.

Check your school bus route here.

The Rainbow District School Board also rescheduled its Technological Skills Competition at Cambrian College for Thursday.

Weather alerts in effect. 

The City of Greater Sudbury has declared a 'significant weather event' as of 11 a.m.

"All roads and sidewalks maintained by the City are considered in a 'state of repair' until further notice," the city said in a news release.

"This declaration is not necessarily a notice of a reduced level of service or a road closure; it is to notify drivers and pedestrians to use an appropriate level of caution when travelling during this event and avoid unnecessary travel."

As a result, road and sidewalk maintenance may take longer than usual, leisure programs, garbage and recycling pick up may be affected, and transit schedules may be delayed.

Flash Freeze warnings

Temperatures are expected to drop rapidly throughout Wednesday morning with a brief period of freezing rain.

"During the transition from rain to snow, some areas may see a brief period of freezing rain and ice pellets. In addition, snowfall amounts up to 5 cm are expected today," the weather alert said.

"Ponding water, slush, and any falling precipitation will freeze as the temperature drops."

Communities along Highway 17 from Blind River to Mattawa are affected along with communities north to Kirkland Lake:

• Blind River
• Bracebridge
• Elliot Lake
• Espanola
• French River
• Greater Sudbury
• Huntsville
• Killarney
• Kirkland Lake
• Manitoulin Island
• Mattawa
• North Bay
• Parry Sound
• Powassan
• Ranger Lake
• Temagami
• Temiskaming Shores
• Thessalon
• West Nipissing 

Snow squall warnings

A snow squall warning is in effect for Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island on Wednesday morning.

The snow squalls are expected to begin Wednesday morning and end Thursday morning, Environment Canada said.

Snowfall of 15 to 25 cm is expected with strong winds gusting 70 to 80 km/h creating reduced visibility.

"Ice pellets and snow will transition to snow squalls this morning with the passage of a strong cold front," the weather alert said.

"Wind will begin to ease late this afternoon or evening. Snow squalls will weaken and move north of the area by early Thursday afternoon."

Travellers are advised to consider postponing trips until conditions improve.

Winter storm warning

A winter storm is continuing into Wednesday evening and is expected to create dangerous travel conditions with up to 20 cm of snow from Gogama north.

Snow covered road at Highway 144 and 101 intersection in Timmins. Feb. 28/24 (Ontario 511)

Most communities should see 10 to 15 cm of snow, except Kapuskasing – Hearst will see up to 20 cm with snowfall rates of two to four cm/h.

Gogama to Cochrane is expected to see a period of freezing rain with one to three mm of ice.

" A mix of freezing rain, ice pellets or snow will transition to snow at times heavy this morning," Environment Canada said.

"Temperatures will continue to fall rapidly this morning into the minus teens, leading to the potential of a flash freeze."

 Find out how the storm might affect your day.