This is not a typical winter event; this has the potential to paralyze local infrastructure and make travel impossible by Sunday night
This weekend, a powerful “double-hit” of weather systems will bring historic snowfall totals to the Sault Ste. Marie region. The second system, arriving Sunday, is projected to be so large and intense that it carries the characteristics of a weak hurricane or an Atlantic Nor’Easter. Between Friday and Monday morning, we are forecasting a monumental 60–80cm of total accumulation. This is not a typical winter event; this has the potential to paralyze local infrastructure and make travel impossible by Sunday night.
An Alberta Clipper tracks across the region on Friday, with snowfall rates intensifying around sunrise. Expect a widespread 8–12cm (locally up to 15cm) by evening. The danger here isn’t just the depth, but the wind: east-southeast gusts will roar up to 60km/h, creating whiteout conditions and significant drifting. Temperatures will hover near -2°C as the snow tapers to flurries.
Saturday will be the “calm before the storm.” Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of -2°C. This will be our window to clear Friday’s snow and stock up on essentials. Skies will begin to cloud over in the evening as the main event approaches from the West.
One of the most powerful storms of the year arrives on Sunday. Gusty east winds will usher in the leading edge of the snow by afternoon. Current models indicate a staggering 40–50cm of new snow is possible by Monday afternoon.
The sheer strength of this system is expected to drag a massive plume of Arctic air into Ontario. Be prepared for a shift to below-normal temperatures that could persist through the end of March.
