Special weather statement updated and all school buses cancelled today (Friday, Jan 9)
By Richard Coffin
An update to Environment Canada’s special weather statement for our area.
The weather agency says a low-pressure system is expected to bring upwards of 10-20 mm of rain through Friday afternoon with a chance of thunderstorms.
Officials also say the frozen ground will have a limited ability to absorb the rainfall and snow melt – with localized ponding on roadways possible. They also say tonight (Fri), temperatures will fall below freezing, creating icy and slippery conditions.
Meantime, student transportation officials say all buses are cancelled across all weather corridors today (Friday, Jan. 9).
Schools remain open.
Still with the weather, the Conservation Authority has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety.
“Water levels on area lakes and rivers are generally at or slightly below normal for this time of year. Moisture content in the snowpack is an average of 60.3 mm (as of Jan 2), which is above normal for this time of year,” says Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “There is also an ice lens in the snowpack from the late December melt and rains that will limit the snowpack’s ability to store rainfall. Forecasted warm temperatures and rain will trigger snow melt and increase hazardous conditions around lakes, rivers, and streams.”
The Conservation Authority is encouraging people to keep children and pets away from watercourses and shorelines.
They say area residents and visitors, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions as they develop and take proper precautions during times of high flows.
Richard Coffin
https://www.mynorthbaynow.com/
Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.