Winter storm on its way, says Environment Canada

With a winter storm on its way tonight, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Greater Sudbury and vicinity.

“A mixed bag of winter weather in store for northeastern Ontario starting tonight and persisting Wednesday,” the statement said.

“A storm system currently developing over Kansas will track across the midwest plains states today reaching the Great Lakes on Wednesday. Snow is forecast to begin this evening in northeastern Ontario and fall rather heavily at times tonight.

“The snow may be lighter in many areas on Wednesday. Latest information suggests five to 10 cm of snow is likely tonight in most areas with a further five cm in some regions on Wednesday."

Total snowfall is expected to be in the 10 to 15 cm range in communities from Sault Ste. Marie to Kirkland Lake. The snow combined with expected gusty winds could make for poor visibility for drivers in open areas.

Despite the storm watch, Environment Canada doesn't expect to have to issue a warning about the snow. The threshold for a warning is 15 cm in 12 hours, which is not expected to be reached.

“Sudbury, North Bay and Manitoulin will see precipitation falling initially as snow which should transition to a period of ice pellets and freezing drizzle Wednesday morning before changing to straight rain.”