Another big snowstorm expected to hit the northeast Friday night

Mother Nature appears to be trying to make up for the lack of snow in December as another blast of winter tracks toward northeastern Ontario just days after the first major snowstorm of the year.

Environment Canada issued a winter storm watch early Thursday morning from Massey east to Cobden and Georgian Bay north to New Liskeard and communities in between.

Snowy street in New Sudbury following first major snowstorm of the year. Jan. 10/23 (Chelsea Papineau/CTV Northern Ontario)

A low-pressure system is headed toward the region and is expected to begin Friday evening and bring 15 to 30 centimetres of heavy snow by Saturday night.

"While the prospects for a winter storm are high, uncertainty exists regarding the exact track," the weather alert said.

"The details of the track will greatly affect precipitation type and amounts at any given location. The heaviest snowfall is expected Friday night."

Strong wind gusts are also expected to create areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility making travel hazardous.

"In the wake of the system, gusty winds will filter in arctic air late Saturday," Environment Canada said.

"A multi-day lake effect snow event may follow the passage of this low-pressure system for locations east of the Great Lakes bringing additional significant accumulations to some communities."

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Officials are predicting peak snowfall rates of two to five cm per hour during the storm.

Residents are encouraged by Public Safety Canada to be prepared for extreme weather as it can come on quickly.

"Make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight," the weather alert said.

Environment Canada is forecasting winds in Greater Sudbury on Friday of up to 15 km/h, a high temperature of -12 C and low -14 C.

On Saturday, the high drops one degree to -11 C with a low of -19 C.

Temperatures in North Bay will be within one or two degrees warmer.

CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca will continue to monitor the storm and weather conditions in the region, check back for updates.

Storm Watch is your destination for information about school closures, bus cancellations and road closures.

For information on how the weather may impact your day -- including flight statuses, school bus cancellations, road conditions and snowplow tracking -- visit the CTV News Storm Watch page.