The recent heavy snowfall in the Thunder Bay area has forced the closure of several rural schools. A yellow winter storm warning is currently in place for the city extending west to the Atikokan area and the north shore. Environment Canada forecasts 10 to 20 centimeters of snow accumulation by the end of Wednesday, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h.
The strong winds caused issues for local resident Jim Lees when a large tree fell onto his front fence during the morning. Fortunately, no major damage occurred. Due to poor visibility and the snowstorm’s intensity, rural schools in the region, including Crestview, Five Mile, Gorham and Ware, among others, were closed on Wednesday.
Although rural school transportation was canceled, public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay remained open. In addition, Algoma and Huron-Superior Transportation Services suspended student transportation in the northern areas, affecting towns like Hornepayne and White River. Despite the weather challenges, city schools remained operational, with dedicated crossing guards ensuring students’ safe commute.
One student, Aidan Grasley, navigated the snow-covered roads in his imported 1991 Suzuki Carry mini-truck with ease. Grasley praised the vehicle’s simplicity and reliable performance in winter conditions. The inclement weather also led to traffic disruptions, including lane closures on Highway 11 in Kakabeka Falls and the Longlac area.
To manage the snowfall, the City of Thunder Bay has enforced winter priority route and calendar parking restrictions. These measures aim to facilitate snow removal operations and maintain safety on the roads during the winter season.