Winter storm warning with up to 50 cm of snow, travel advisories issued

Environment Canada has made changes to its weather alerts in northeastern Ontario on Thursday as another winter storm enters the region and is expected to bring up to 50 centimetres of snow in many parts. Here is what you need to know.

A significant winter storm is expected to blanket most of northeastern Ontario with 10 to 50 cm of snow between Thursday and Saturday.

"It’s a reminder that we are still in winter and we’re not done with snow, the ice and everything that comes along with winter," said Enviroment Canada meteorologist Gerald Cheng, in an interview with CTV News Thursday.

"(This) system is going to remind us of that. Up to 50 centimetres in some places, especially around Timmins, Kapuskasking, Wawa, Marathon, these places, so it’s certainly not a good end to March Break."

Thursday morning saw light snow that is expected to become heavier in the evening.

"Snow is expected today (Thursday) ahead of the main event. Snow, heavy at times, and local blowing snow is forecast to begin tonight. Snow and blowing snow will last into Saturday and taper off Saturday evening," Environment Canada said.

"Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve and avoid travel if possible. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone."

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WINTER STORM WARNING

Canadian communities along Lake Superior -- from Atikokan west of Thunder Bay to Agawa and Lake Superior Park north of Sault Ste. Marie – as well as those near the Highway 11 and 101 corridors are under a winter storm warning.

“I would suggest to people is if it’s snowing that much, see if you can reschedule your plans,” said OPP Const. Michelle Simard.

“If you don’t have to go out, my advice -- or our advice -- is to stay home.”

Total snowfall in these areas is expected to be between 30 to 50 cm.

"Snow, heavy at times, along with gusty northeasterly winds develops tonight (Thursday) into Friday. Snow may quickly accumulate and visibility may be reduced to near zero at times, especially with any blowing snow. Significant travel delays and road closures are likely," Environment Canada said.

WINTER WEATHER TRAVEL ADVISORIES

The winter storm watches that were in effect from the Sault Ste. Marie area to Greater Sudbury for most of Thursday morning have ended and Environment Canada has issued winter weather travel advisories instead.

"If you have to get on the road, which in some cases you can’t reschedule stuff or you have to get somewhere," said Simard.

"We just want people to stay alert, don’t be distracted, check Ontario 511 when you leave."

It has also updated the estimate of snowfall expected along the Highway 17 corridor north of Lake Huron over the three days to be between 10 to 15 cm.

"Light snow or rain is expected today (Thursday) ahead of the main event. Snow is forecast to begin tonight and last into Friday evening before tapering off," the new weather alert said around 10:20 a.m.

"Snow may quickly accumulate and visibility may be reduced at times. Northern portions of the region are more likely to see snowfall totals in the 10 to 15 cm range. Southern portions of the region may receive more wet snow and rain mixing in, reducing snowfall accumulations."

While communities east of Sudbury to Mattawa will get snow from the storm, there are no Environment Canada weather alerts as of 7 p.m. Thursday.

TRAVELLING SAFELY IF NEEDED

OPP officials said always give yourself extra time to get where you are going in bad weather.

"Always have a full tank of gas when you’re leaving a city location and you’re travelling," said Simard.

"(If) you get stuck and you only have half a tank of gas and you’re stuck there idling for a bit. You don’t want to be that person that runs out of gas."

Simard also recommended bringing an extra pair of mitts and a pair of winter boots because you never know if you have to be out of our vehicle.

"Snacks, stuff to keep you occupied on a highway if you do have to wait and be patient," are also good things to have said Simard.

Officials said to give snowplows plenty of room to clear the roadways.

"They’ll be bringing up snow when they’re plowing," said Simard.

"So stay back and give them some room."

WINTER NOT OVER

“We’re still looking at sub-zero temperatures, we’re still looking at the possibility of snow into April, so certainly we’re not done with winter storms just yet,” said Cheng.

CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca will continue to track the storm and provide updates.