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A Colorado Low is expected to bring a mix of rain and snow to Ontario on Wednesday, potentially leading to flooding concerns in some areas and hazardous winter weather in others. The exact track of this system remains uncertain, and future updates may bring changes to precipitation amounts and affected areas. Here’s what Environment Canada has mentioned in their forecast:

Southern Ontario: Flooding Risk for Tuesday night - Wednesday, March 5:

Hazard: Rain
Location: East of Lake Huron, central Ontario, and portions of northeastern Ontario
Timing: Tuesday night through Wednesday
Impact: Potential flooding in low-lying areas and possible washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
Confidence: Low
Impact: High

A strong system moving into the province could bring significant rainfall to these regions. The combination of heavy rain and rapid snowmelt in areas with a deep snowpack could lead to localized flooding issues. The exact track of the system remains uncertain, so be sure to stay updated as new information becomes available.

Hazard: Rain
Location: Southwestern, eastern Ontario, and the Golden Horseshoe
Timing: Tuesday night through Wednesday
Impact: Possible flooding in low-lying areas.
Confidence: Low
Impact: Moderate

Rainfall from the same system could cause flooding concerns in urban areas and places with poor drainage. While the overall flood risk is lower than in central and northeastern Ontario, localized issues remain possible due to snowmelt and prolonged rainfall.

Northeastern Ontario: Heavy Snow Possible Wednesday, March 5:

Environment Canada’s forecast:

Hazard: Snow
Location: Northeastern Ontario and areas north of Lake Superior
Timing: Wednesday
Impact: Difficult travel conditions, reduced visibility, and possible road closures.
Confidence: Low
Impact: High

While some areas receive heavy rain, northern Ontario will likely see significant snowfall, which could lead to hazardous travel conditions. The heaviest snow is expected in areas north of Lake Superior, but the exact placement of the heaviest bands will depend on the storm’s final track.

Final Thoughts:

There remains significant uncertainty regarding the exact storm track, precipitation types, and total amounts. Future updates may adjust the areas of concern and the severity of the impacts. Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor conditions closely and be prepared for potential flooding. Those in Northeastern Ontario should prepare for heavy snowfall and difficult travel conditions. Stay tuned for further updates as more details become available.

Disclaimer: These forecasts are issued by Environment Canada and typically published via their Twitter/X accounts. We receive these forecast via a daily email and often publish them for our communities to see.