Environment Canada officials have issued a special weather statement across Chatham-Kent this morning, on top of the winter storm warning issued yesterday.
Special weather statement
The special weather statement is as a result of significant rainfall, which continues today, February 17, 2022.
Total rainfall amounts of 10 to 25 mm is possible by this afternoon, forecasters say.
“Through this afternoon. Communities in Southwestern Ontario and Northeastern Ontario will see rain through this morning,” Environment Canada officials say.
“A low pressure system is expected to track just south of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario tonight which will bring a messy mix of wintry precipitation to southern Ontario. Rain is expected to transition to snow this morning or this afternoon.”
For information concerning flooding, consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry District office.
Visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details.
Winter storm warning
Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning on Wednesday, which still remains in effect.
“Hazardous winter conditions are expected on Thursday,” forecasters say.
“Freezing rain, at times mixed with ice pellets, Thursday morning and afternoon. Ice accumulation of 2 to 5 mm possible. Snow, at times heavy, Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. Total snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm are expected. Reduced visibility due to heavy snow and blowing snow. Icy and slippery surfaces.”
Forecasters added: “A low pressure system is expected to track northeast across Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Thursday night which will bring a messy mix of wintry precipitation to southern Ontario. Precipitation will begin as rain this evening and transition to freezing rain Thursday morning and to snow Thursday afternoon. Ice pellets are also possible.”
As the track of the low pressure system remains uncertain, precipitation type, timing and amounts may change, forecasters say.
“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” forecasters say.
“Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break.”
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
Flood outlook
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority issued a flood outlook bulletin on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, ahead of the storm.
A snow survey conducted by staff on February 15 indicated between 19 and 32 mm of water equivalent across the watershed, with an average value of 25 mm, SCRCA officials added.
“Recent ice measurements on the Sydenham River saw approximately 15-20 cm in thickness alongside areas of open water,” SCRCA officials say.
“Current conditions on Lake Huron include thin, medium and new lake ice towards the southern end of the lake and ice shelving along the coastline, with open water in the middle of the lake. Continuing south, the St. Clair River has thick, medium and thin brash ice and Lake St. Clair is predominately ice covered, with fast ice near the eastern shore.”
Rain and melting snow are anticipated to lead to ponding, runoff and minor flooding into fields, parks and natural floodplain areas.
Conditions will be favourable for the weakening of ice and ice jamming is possible.
Strong winds and waves may also shift ice, and northerly winds could promote the movement of ice from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River where it could build up and impact flow, SCRCA officials added.
“Individuals are reminded to avoid shorelines, watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks and cold, swift moving water,” SCRCA officials say.
“Children and pets should be kept away from the water and off of frozen waterbodies. The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and media should flood issues arise. Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.”
This message will remain in effect until Friday, February 18, 2022, unless otherwise updated.
Buses cancelled
Public school board officials say buses are cancelled for the day.
School buses in all zones are cancelled today due to forecasted inclement weather and road conditions, school board officials say.
All elementary schools are open to students.
All Lambton Kent District School Board secondary students attending secondary schools, regardless of whether they ride a bus to school or not, will engage in one-day remote, teacher-led virtual learning today (Feb. 17) and secondary schools will be closed to students for in-person learning, school board officials added.
All secondary teachers have been asked to develop an online presence to facilitate student learning.
On bus cancellation dates, secondary students will receive instructions about their transition to remote, teacher-led virtual learning as per their typical means of communication.
If you have a specific question about your child, please contact your school principal.
Driving tips
The Chatham-Kent Police Service have issued some winter driving tips.
“Environment Canada has issued a winter weather warning,” police officials say.
“Temperatures are expected to drop which will cause slippery road conditions. Driving slowly and staying in control can help you stay safe on the roads.”
The Chatham-Kent Police would like to offer the following safety tips while driving:
– Slow Down – most winter collisions happen because drivers are going too fast for the road conditions.
– Don’t use cruise control on wet, snowy or icy pavement – it reduces your reaction time and vehicle control
– Steer Gently – hard braking or quick acceleration may cause you to skid (if you do skid – steer in the direction you want to go)
– Give Space – it takes longer to stop on slippery roads, so give yourself extra space between other vehicles.
For more winter driving safety tips, please click here.
We’ll provide more details as it becomes available.
