Environment Canada Expects Major Storm Heading Into Holiday Weekend

Bad news for those looking to travel for the holidays.

Environment Canada's issued a special weather statement for Wawa, White River, Pukaskwa, Agawa, Lake Superior Park, Searchmont, Montreal River Harbour, Batchawana Bay, Chapleau, and Gogama, warning a "significant winter storm" is expected late this week, into the holiday weekend.

It's expecting snow to begin for areas near to lake Superior Thursday, reaching James Bay on Friday, with snow at times heavy and accompanied by "very strong" northerly winds Friday into Saturday, making blizzard conditions possible for areas near to the northern shores of Lake Superior and downwind of Lake Nipigon, while "a multi-day lake effect snow event" is expected into the weekend for locations east of Superior.

While the weather agency has "high confidence in a high impact winter storm", details on wind speeds or specific snowfall amounts "remain highly uncertain at this time".

Those planning to travel are warned to consider altering those plans "as travel conditions may become dangerous" and "extensive utility outages are possible" while "bitterly cold wind chill values" are expected Friday, into the weekend.

Environment Canada's also issued a snow squall watch for areas between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie, warning 20 to 40 centimetres of snow's expected to arrive between this evening and Wednesday evening, with reduced visibility from heavy and blowing snow.