Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Mattawa, Ontario, as a significant winter storm is expected to arrive on January 10 and 11, 2026. The area could see between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow along with north winds gusting to around 50 kilometres per hour. These conditions are expected to create poor visibility and make local roads difficult to navigate.
The Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) will monitor the weather to decide if school buses should be cancelled. NPSSTS assesses conditions between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. and typically makes a final decision by 5:45 a.m.; the General Manager (or designate) is responsible for the cancellation decision. Decisions are based on road conditions, visibility and other safety factors. If buses are cancelled in the morning, they will not run in the afternoon even if conditions improve.
Local snow-removal crews from the Town of Mattawa Public Works are preparing to plow main roads and school zones as snow accumulates. Drivers should check Ontario 511 for updates on Highway 17, where strong winds can produce dangerous whiteout conditions. Environment Canada advises residents to consider postponing non-essential travel until the storm passes.
The North Bay–Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) is also warning people to stay away from river ice. New snow can blanket thin ice and hide slush pockets, increasing the risk for snowmobilers and anglers — particularly near the confluence of the Mattawa River and the Ottawa River.
