Environment Canada has issued a flash freeze warning for our area.
Officials say sudden icy conditions on roads and walkways are expected along with a brief period of freezing rain.
The weather agency says a dramatic change in temperatures is expected this afternoon with temperatures plummeting within a few hours.
During the transition from rain to snow, some areas may see a brief period of freezing rain and ice pellets.
Snowfall amounts up to 5 cm are also expected Wednesday.
Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services reports all school buses in all areas are cancelled Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Schools remain open.
Meantime, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is advising area residents that a Water Safety statement is in effect in the North Bay District until next Tuesday (March 5).
Officials say area residents should keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around rivers and streams.
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority has also issued a Flood Outlook for the watershed, except for the Lake Nipissing shoreline and Ottawa River in the Mattawa area.
“While water levels are currently at or below normal for this time of year, forecast rain-on-snow, combined with frozen ground will trigger increased runoff,” says Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “Localized flooding is possible in low-lying and poorly drained areas.”
The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and shorelines and monitor the conditions as they develop and take proper precautions during times of high flows.
