Freezing rain possible for points east (update)

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

• Blind River - Thessalon

• Espanola - Killarney

Some patchy freezing drizzle early this morning is expected to give way to a more organized area of freezing rain late this morning or this afternoon.

A few hours of intermittant freezing rain are likely before changing to periods of rain late in the day as the temperature rises above zero.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.

Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas.

Freezing Rain Warnings are issued when rain falling in sub-zero temperatures creates ice build-up and icy surfaces.

Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required, so stay tuned to your local media or Weatheradio.

Email reports of severe weather to [email protected] or tweet with the hashtag #ONStorm.

Special weather statement in effect for:

• Blind River - Thessalon

• Espanola - Killarney

• Manitoulin Island

Significant weather for Christmas.

Some patchy freezing drizzle may be expected across parts of Northeastern Ontario this morning before more organized freezing rain develops today where a freezing rain warning is in effect for a portion of the region.

However, a more significant weather system is expected for Wednesday and Thursday.

The most significant precipitation is expected to arrive during the day on Wednesday as a strengthening weather system from the United States moves into the province.

As temperatures will likely be above the freezing mark, the precipitation is expected to be in the form of rain.

The exception will be for areas farther northwest from northeast of Lake Superior to Timmins where temperatures may remain cold enough for precipitation to remain in the form of snow.

There will also be a threat of freezing rain in these areas.

As colder air moves in behind the system, rain is expected to change to snow during the overnight hours or early Thursday morning.

Significant snowfall amounts are likely, especially for areas that do not change over to rain.

Amounts in excess of 15 cm are possible for locations such as Chapleau, Timmins and Gogama.

In addition, gusty winds will likely result in local blowing snow on Thursday.

Watches or warnings may be required as the event draws nearer.

For areas such as Sudbury, North Bay and Earlton, 15 to 25 mm of rain are possible followed by a few centimetres of snow and strong winds on Thursday.

This bulletin will be updated as more information becomes available.

Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.

*************************