Weather alert: Early spring storm to bring strong wind rain and possible snow

A Colorado low is approaching the northeast Tuesday evening bringing a mix of messy precipitation as temperatures drop briefly over the next few days.

Environment Canada issued weather alerts warning of strong, easterly winds up to 80 km/h in some areas as well as rain that is expected to turn to heavy snow.

Grey areas are under a special weather statement due to Colorado low tracking toward the region. April 2, 2024 (Environment Canada)

The weather alerts are in effect for communities along the eastern shores of Lake Superior up to Montreal River Harbour east to Sherbrooke, Que.

As of Tuesday morning, they only go as far north as Foleyet, Gogama and New Liskeard, but that can change as the weather system gets closer.

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"Precipitation is expected to begin as rain transitioning to snow Wednesday morning. Snow, which may be heavy at times, is expected to continue through Wednesday night easing through the day Thursday," the special weather statement said.

"Significant snowfall accumulations are possible by the time snow begins to ease on Thursday."

The windiest areas will be on Manitoulin Island and areas along the shoreline.

"The winds will ease on Wednesday afternoon," Environment Canada said.

"Confidence is low as there remains a high degree of uncertainty with the low's track, which will have significant impacts on temperatures, snowfall amounts and when rain will transition to snow. Warnings will be issued as the event draws nearer."

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Residents should prepare for possible power outages as a result of the storm.

"Travel may become hazardous due to accumulating snow and reduced visibility," the alert said.

CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca will continue to track the weather system and provide updates as new information becomes available.