He was concerned by a frozen strip of turf running the length of one side of the Priestfield Stadium pitch.
It meant a wasted journey for around 150 Latics fans, all of who were in the final stages of their journey to Kent when the news was broken to them.
Manager Paul Jewell was left fuming by the postponement, with Mr Tomlin telephoning him at the team hotel to inform him of his decision.
The squad had travelled down on Monday, trained at Rochester yesterday morning, and were ready to set off for the ground when the game was called-off.
Latics now face the expense of a second midweek visit after a request to play the game tonight failed due to stewarding difficulties.
Talks between the clubs and the Football League were taking place today to come up with a new date.
Assistant manager Chris Hutchings said the postponement had come like a bolt out of the blue.
He told the Evening Post: "We were due to leave out hotel in Rochester at 6pm to travel to the ground.
"But we got a phone call from the referee about 10 minutes before that to say it was off.
"It was very frustrating and means a wasted journey for a lot of people.
"The referee was saying that he was concerned about a frozen area down one of the touchlines.
"He was worried about the players running on it, and about his linesman on that side.
"When we got the news, we had to send the bus and the two kitmen back to the ground to pick up the kit, and then it was a case of heading back up here.
"No one wanted this, but we've got to get on with it, and now it's time to start looking at the game with Crewe on Saturday."
Jewell added: "It's a decision we can't do anything about but I've huge sympathy with the fans who had travelled a long way and spent a lot of money for nothing."
His opposite number, Andy Hessenthaler, admitted the postponement had come as a surprise.
While the frozen area of the pitch doesn't get a lot of sunlight on it, the player/manager never thought the game was in any danger.
He said: "I was surprised when the ref came out and said there was a problem over on the far side.
"We've always had a problem on that side ever since I've been at the football club because the sun doesn't get on it.
"But at the end of the day we have to respect the ref's decision.
"He was worried about the safety of his linesman and the players on that side if they were to slip.
"I've played on a lot worse in my time, but we have to go along with his decision.
"I didn't get to speak to Paul Jewell but he will obviously be disappointed because this is a long trek.
"This was a game which both teams wanted to play."
Source: Wigan Evening Post.