Heavy snowfall hits Thunder Bay, Ontario, and nearby regions, forcing cancellations of several rural school bus routes and closures of multiple public schools. Students in affected areas enjoy an unexpected snow day as winter weather disrupts normal operations.
School Bus and Closure Details
Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay announced cancellations for rural school bus routes early Tuesday morning around 7:00 a.m. ET, citing hazardous weather and road conditions.
The following public schools remain closed for the day:
- Crestview Public School
- Five Mile Public School
- Gorham and Ware Community School
- Kakabeka Falls Public School
- McKenzie Public School
- Nor’wester View Public School
- Whitefish Public School
- Valley Central Public School
Thunder Bay Catholic, French Catholic, and French Public schools operate as usual.
Snowfall Warnings and Forecasts
Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning Monday afternoon for Thunder Bay and areas to the east, including Nipigon, Schreiber, and Marathon. An Alberta clipper system brings 15 to 25 centimetres of snow accompanied by wind gusts up to 60 kilometres per hour. Conditions improve gradually from west to east by Tuesday evening.
A special weather statement covers surrounding regions such as Kakabeka, Atikokan, Greenstone, Ignace, and White River, with expected accumulations of 10 to 15 centimetres.
Road Safety Advisories
Ontario Provincial Police in Kenora urge drivers on Highway 17 to exercise extra caution amid icy and snow-covered roads. Visibility drops intermittently, and travel times extend beyond normal estimates.
“Snow removal operations are underway, and drivers may encounter snowplows and maintenance equipment on the roadway. Drivers are also reminded to slow down and move over for snowplows and emergency vehicles,” states a police advisory released Tuesday morning.
