SUDBURY -- Environment Canada has expanded its special weather statement in northeastern Ontario as a major winter storm approaches Tuesday morning, upgrading to snowfall warnings in some areas.

A strengthening low-pressure system is moving into the region from southern Ontario Tuesday morning and is expected to bring significant snowfall before it moves into Quebec Wednesday afternoon.

The weather statements for the following areas have been upgraded to snowfall warnings with up to 30 cm of snow and strong wind gusts near 70 km/h:

  • Englehart
  • French River
  • Huntsville - Baysville
  • Kirkland Lake
  • Mattawa
  • North Bay
  • Powassan
  • Temagami
  • Temiskaming Shores
  • West Nipissing

"Snow, heavy at times, and blowing snow will begin (Tuesday) morning and continue into Wednesday. Snowfall amounts 20 to 30 cm are possible before the snow weakens Wednesday afternoon," Environment Canada said. "Falling snow, along with wind gusts up to 70 km/h will allow for blowing snow to occur and significantly affect visibilities (Tuesday) and (Tuesday night)."

Travellers should be prepared for winter driving conditions.

"Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance," Environment Canada said.

Also on Tuesday morning, special weather statements were issued for the Greater Sudbury area, Espanola and Killarney as 10 to 15 cm of snow is expected between Tuesday morning and early Wednesday morning along with the strong wind gusts.

CTV News will continue to monitor, check back for updates on this developing situation. 

Check school bus cancellations and delays for northeastern Ontario here

Check flight statuses for airports in northeastern Ontario here

Find out where the snow plows are here