From The Weather Network - October 9, 2018

As southern parts of the province soak up rare October humidex values into the mid-30s, all eyes are on an early winter-like storm set to impact parts of northern Ontario later this week. More on the heavy rain AND snow blasting the region, below.

HEAVY RAIN, FLOOD THREAT

Heavy rain started in parts of northeastern Ontario early Wednesday and will continue as the boundary stays locked over the region. Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for areas from Timmins to Thunder Bay with 50-75 mm of rain possible through Thursday. In the Sault Ste. Marie area, rainfall warnings are in effect with the risk for as much as 100 mm in areas that see thunderstorms.

"If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible," EC warns.

A lot of this moisture is being drawn up from the Gulf of Mexico, even tapping into some tropical moisture from Hurricane Michael.

HEAVY SNOW, DRIVING CONDITIONS WILL BE COMPROMISED

On the backside of this system, for areas mostly west of Thunder Bay, a transition to snow and gusty winds are expected. There's a threat for about 10-20 cm of snow in places such as Fort Frances and Dryden, with even heavier amounts in Fort Hope and Armstrong, where between 20-30 cm could pile up through Saturday.

"The commute Wednesday night and into Thursday morning could be extremely slick between Geraldton and Kapuskasing with the threat for ice pellets, freezing rain and snow," says Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg.

Conditions will improve through Friday and into Saturday, but much colder air remains locked an place with eyes on another shot of heavy snow for areas east of Lake Superior early next week.