SUDBURY -- Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for areas around Greater Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Manitoulin Island, Elliot Lake and Kirkland Lake.

"Rain, at times heavy, expected tonight and Friday," Environment Canada said in a news release. "Rainfall amounts of 40 to 60 mm are expected. Locally higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms on Friday."

Rain will taper off Friday evening.

"This rain is the result of a Colorado Low that will track through parts of northeastern Ontario on Friday," the release said. "Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible."

There is a risk for heavy rains in North Bay and Chapleau, which are under a special weather statement.

Snow and ice pellets are also a possibility in North Bay, West Nipissing, the Sault, Superior East, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, Chapleau and Gogama.

"A warm front through the area will bring the chance for snow, rain, and ice pellets," the release said. "Rainfall totals of 30 to 50 mm are possible. Snowfall totals of 5 cm are also possible over areas more to the north, closer to Kirkland Lake and Foleyet."