Special weather statements issued in northern Ont. for freezing or heavy rain

Heavy rain expected across the region this weekend Northeastern Ontario can expect heavy rain throughout the weekend with special weather statements in effect. Tony Ryma explains.

Update:

Environment Canada has lifted the thunderstorm watches issued on Saturday for northeastern Ontario – however, has since issued special weather statements warning of freezing or heavy rain from Chapleau, Ont. to Sturgeon Lake, Ont. beginning Sunday evening into Monday afternoon.

In statements on Sunday , weather forecasters said significant freezing rain or heavy rain is possible into Monday.

Freezing rain

As of 1 p.m., the special weather statement regarding freezing rain were in effect for the communities of Agawa, Beardmore, Black Sturgeon Lake, Caramat, Chapleau, Geraldton, Gull Bay, Hornepayne, Jellicoe, Lake Superior Park, Longlac, Macdiarmid, Manitouwadge, Marathon, Missinaibi Lake, Nipigon, Pukaskwa, Raith, Superior North, Superior West, Thunder Bay, Upsala, Wawa and White River.

“A low pressure system is expected to affect the region and a period of freezing rain and ice pellets is possible,” read the updated statement.

"For most areas freezing rain will be brief before changing to rain or snow, however areas of higher terrain may see freezing rain last slightly longer."

Hazards include ice build-up and icy surfaces due to freezing rain.

Forecasters said that power outages are possible during the weather event and the freezing rain may result in surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots becoming slippery.

Heavy rain

As of shortly before 1:30 p.m., special weather statements were issued in the communities of Greater Sudbury and area, Manitoulin Island Sault Ste. Marie, Batchawana Bay, Blind River, Elliot Lake, Killarney, Montreal River Harbour, Ranger Lake, Searchmont and St. Joseph Island for heavy rainfall with 20 – 30mm of rain expected from Sunday evening into Monday afternoon or evening.

“A low pressure system will bring another round of rain to the area,”read the statements.

“The ground, already near saturation, has little ability to absorb further rainfall.”

Forecasters said localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

To report severe weather, send an email to [e-mail] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

Original story:

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several communities in northeastern Ontario on Saturday afternoon – primarily the Greater Sudbury area and West Nipissing.

The watch includes areas of North Bay, Parry Sound, West Nipissing and Greater Sudbury and vicinity along with the communities of Bayfield Inlet, Blind River, Bruce Peninsula, Burk's Falls, Chapleau, Dunchurch, Elliot Lake, Espanola, French River, Killarney, Manitoulin Island, Mattawa, Missinaibi Lake, Muskoka, North Bay, Powassan, Ranger Lake, Sauble Beach, South River, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Thessalon and Tobermory.

This comes as most of the region was already under a special weather statement for rainfall of up to 45mm and flood watches are in effect for most areas affected.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing large hail and heavy rain,” Environment Canada said in its statements.

Hazards include rapid rainfall of up to 50mm in an hour, twoonie size hail, and flash flooding late Saturday afternoon into the night.

“Large hail can damage property and cause injury,” the statement said.

“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.”

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms.

“(Storms) could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall,” read the statement.

Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches, said Environment Canada officials.

For more information on how to prepare for an emergency, visit their website.

To report severe weather, send an email to [e-mail] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.