Hang on to your hats, and get your shovels ready. The region is in for a spring snowstorm.
Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Fort Frances, Emo and Rainy River. Hazardous winter conditions are expected from Wednesday to Friday.
According to the warning, we can expect total snowfall accumulations of 30 to 50 cm, strong wind gusts up to 70 km/h, leading to widespread blowing snow, blizzard conditions due to heavy snow and blowing snow and snowfall rates of 2 to 4 cm per hour at times.
Snow is expected to begin Wednesday morning and continue through Thursday into Friday morning. There is the potential that heavy snow and blowing snow could continue into Friday afternoon. The heaviest snow is expected to fall Wednesday night and Thursday, according to the statement.
Power outages as well as damage to trees are possible.
As the event draws nearer blizzard warnings may be considered if widespread visibilities are expected to be reduced to less than 400 m due to snow and blowing snow for an extended period of time.
Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Road closures are possible. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.
