Spring in northern Ontario is throwing a nasty curveball. Severe storms packing heavy rain, possible thunderstorms, and even more snow are set to hammer the region, according to Environment Canada’s latest warnings. Communities from Wawa to Timmins are on high alert as a volatile weather system barrels in, promising a messy start to the week.
On April 28, official alerts went out for multiple areas, including Sault Ste. Marie, Kapuskasing, and Fort Hope. Expect rainfall totals of 20 to 50 millimeters in some spots, with thunderstorms potentially adding to the chaos. Around Lake Superior, the ground could get soaked with up to 50 millimeters, making flash flooding a real concern. For places like Armstrong and Nakina, special weather statements flagged the risk of heavy downpours and gusty winds. It’s not just rain—higher elevations and northern pockets could see snow, with accumulations piling up where temperatures dip.
The system’s moving fast, driven by a low-pressure center swirling over the Great Lakes. Meteorologists say discrete supercells—intense, rotating thunderstorms—could spawn damaging winds, hail, or even tornadoes in parts of Ontario. Geraldton, Hearst, and Smooth Rock Falls are among the towns told to batten down the hatches. Meanwhile, Moosonee and Attawapiskat face a double whammy: rain turning to snow as colder air sweeps in.
Roads are a worry. Wet, slick highways and reduced visibility could snarl travel, especially on stretches like the Trans-Canada. Emergency services are urging drivers to stay put if they can. Power outages aren’t off the table either, with strong winds threatening to down lines in exposed areas.
This isn’t the first hit for northern Ontario this month. Just days ago, on April 23, freezing rain coated parts of the region, leaving a slippery mess. Now, with more wet and wild weather on the way, communities are digging in. Schools and local businesses are monitoring conditions, and residents are stocking up, knowing spring up here can be as unforgiving as winter.
The storm’s expected to peak late Monday into Tuesday, with conditions easing by midweek. Until then, northern Ontario’s in for a rough ride, caught in the grip of a system that’s got no mercy.