Freezing rain, winter storm approaching the northeast prompting weather warnings

Rick Wyman has all the weather details you need to know for northeastern Ontario and what to expect for the next seven days.

A winter storm warning has been issued for parts of northeastern Ontario by Environment Canada on Tuesday morning. Here is what you need to know.

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“Periods of light snow or rain, possibly mixed with freezing rain, will begin this morning and intensify this evening,” the warning for the Greater Sudbury area said March 4.

“Current indications suggest that the rain-snow transition line will stretch from north of Sault Ste. Marie northeast to Temiskaming Shores. Along this transition line, patchy freezing rain is likely, while north of the transition line, accumulating snow can be expected.”

Snowfall near 15 cm is expected by late Thursday in the Sudbury area while communities further north -- such as Timmins, Cochrane and Iroquois Falls -- should see between 20-30 cm.

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“Northerly winds gusting to 50 km/h will result in areas of blowing snow giving reduced visibility. The snow is expected to taper to flurries late Thursday,” the Timmins area warning said.

“Peak snowfall rates of two to four cm per hour. Poor visibility in heavy snow and local blowing snow.”

Heavy rain, possible thunderstorm

Rainfall between 10 and 15 mm are expected in the areas along Highway 17, but Sault Ste. Marie east to North Bay could see up to 25 mm of rain through Wednesday.

“Rain, heavy at times, and mild temperatures are expected tonight through Wednesday,” the Espanola special weather statement said.

“With a risk of thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and evening, local rainfall amounts in excess of 25 mm cannot be ruled out by Wednesday night.”

With the ground still frozen, flooding in some areas is possible due to the limited ability to absorb the water.

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“Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas,” Environment Canada said.