Freezing rain warning in effect

As of 5:52 AM EDT Sunday 29 March 2009, Environment Canada issued the following Freezing rain warning for North Bay - Powassan - Mattawa and West Nipissing - French River.

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Freezing rain across the regions today.

This is a warning that an extended period of freezing rain is imminent or occurring in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements.

A well developed intense low pressure system over southern lower Michigan continues to track northeast and will Cross Lake Huron and Georgian Bay on its way to southern Québec by this evening.

This low contains a large area of precipitation.With snow heavy at times on tap for a band of regions extending from Sault Ste Marie northeast across Chapleau to Timmins and Kirkland Lake. A general snowfall of near 15 centimetres is likely across these regions and as a result the winter storm watch has been upgraded to a snowfall warning. The snow may come down quite heavy at times with a peak snowfall rate of 2 to 3 cm in an hour possible at times today.

Along and southeast of a line from Gore Bay to Elliot Lake to New Liskeard..The precipitation may start briefly as snow but is expected to change over to freezing rain this morning as the low pressure area gets closer. Freezing rain lasting for a 3 to 6 hour period is quite possible today and a freezing rain warning remains in effect as a result.

The freezing rain is expected to change over to rain in these regions by this afternoon as the mercury struggles to get a little above the zero degree mark. However along a line from Gore Bay through Sudbury to New Liskeard it may take quite some time for temperatures to reach the freezing mark resulting in a more prolonged period of freezing rain. A few millimetres of ice buildup is possible as a result.

Precipitation should change over to snow tonight in all regions then move out by Monday morning as the low pressure system moves away towards the Maritimes.

Motorists should be prepared for hazardous winter driving conditions and alter travel plans accordingly. Untreated surfaces in areas that receive freezing rain may be icy and very slippery. In areas that receive heavy snow visibility will be reduced at times to a few hundred metres with roads quickly becoming snow covered. Environment Canada continues to monitor this situation very closely. Warnings will be updated as necessary.

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