Heavy winds expected overnight Sunday into Monday

Potentially damaging winds are expected Sunday night and into Monday, prompting a special weather statement to be issued by Environment Canada.

A cold front passing through the area is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 80 km/h and will begin to develop Sunday evening. 

The winds are expected to diminish on Monday morning before strengthening again in the afternoon with gusts of up to 90 km/h possible. A wind warning may be issued as well for Monday.

Areas affected by the statement include:

• Blind River - Thessalon
• Espanola - Killarney
• Manitoulin Island
• Sault Ste. Marie - St. Joseph Island
• Searchmont - Montreal River Harbour - Batchawana Bay

The heavy winds are expected to ease Monday evening.

Environment Canada has also issued a winter weather travel advisory for the area including Agawa - Lake Superior Park for Sunday.

Snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 cm are possible for the area beginning late Sunday morning and into the afternoon.

Wind gusts of up to 70 km/h are also expected to develop Sunday evening, which will create localized areas of blowing snow and make driving conditions dangerous in the area.

Conditions are expected to improve overnight Sunday into Monday morning in the area.