Incoming snowstorm expected to bring up to 15 cm, many school buses cancelled

Environment Canada issued weather alerts across northeastern Ontario on Thursday morning as an approaching storm is expected to bring up to 15 cm of snow.

Environment Canada weather alert map for 2.15.24 (Grey - winter weather travel advisory. Red-snowfall warning)

Many school bus routes have been cancelled as a result of the weather.

Check the list of school bus cancellations here.

Winter weather travel advisories and snowfall warnings are in effect.

GREATER SUDBURY - MANITOULIN ISLAND

"Snow, at times heavy, will begin this morning and continue through the day before tapering off early this evening," Environment Canada said Thursday morning.

"Northwest winds gusting to 60 km/h may result in localized blowing snow this afternoon and tonight, especially in exposed areas." 

While the Greater Sudbury area is under a winter weather travel advisory, snowfall is expected to be more intense north of the city from Gogama to Foleyet, which are under a snowfall warning.

NORTH BAY TO COCHRANE

Winter weather travel advisories are in effect from Massey east to Mattawa along Highway 17 and from North Bay north to Cochrane along Highway 11.

"Snow, at times heavy, will begin late this morning and continue tonight before tapering off by Friday morning," Environment Canada said Thursday.

"Northwest winds gusting to 50 km/h tonight may result in localized blowing snow in exposed areas." 

Slick roads and reduced visibility are expected to make travel hazardous in these areas.

NORTH SHORE AREA

Snowfall warnings are in effect for North Shore communities along Highway 17 from Thessalon to Massey and include Elliot Lake. 

"Snow, at times heavy, will begin this morning and continue through the day before tapering off late this afternoon or this evening," Environment Canada said Thursday morning.

"As the snow tapers off, northwest winds gusting up to 60 km/h may result in localized blowing snow this afternoon and tonight."

Peak snowfall rates of two-four cm/h is expected.

SAULT STE. MARIE AREA

"Snow, at times heavy, will continue into this afternoon giving snowfall accumulations of up to 10 cm. Northwest winds gusting up to 60 km/h will develop near noon leading to localized blowing snow this afternoon and evening," Environment Canada said.

"A break in the snowfall is possible late this afternoon before lake effect flurries develop early this evening giving additional snowfall accumulations of up to 5 cm before tapering off near midnight." 

SNOWBELT

For anyone needing to travel through the Parry Sound area, snowfall warnings are in effect.

"An area of heavy snow will push through the region during the afternoon and early evening hours today," Environment Canada said Thursday morning.

"The majority of snowfall accumulations may fall within just a few hours due to high snowfall rates. Heavy snow will taper to light flurries through the evening"

Peak snowfall rates of three-five cm/h are expected east of Georgian Bay.