Major winter storm brings blowing snow, dangerous travel to northern Ontario

Friday, February 21, 2014, 9:02 AM -

STORM WATCH: Tune into The Weather Network on TV for extended coverage of this storm

A Colorado Low and Alberta Clipper have joined forces to bring another powerful winter storm to much of northern Ontario.

"This is a complex system that has dumped everything but the kitchen sink in southern Ontario, and has resulted in a potent winter storm with heavy snow and winds in northern Ontario."

HEAVY RAIN IN THE SOUTH: Heavy rain, slick conditions prompt school bus cancellations

Winter storm warnings were issued for some places early Friday, with upwards of 30 cm of snow possible by the time all is said and done.

"An area of Sault Ste. Marie east to North Bay will likely experience some form of mixed precipitation including the risk for freezing rain and even a period of rain," Vettese says. "The low remains somewhat stationary over far northern Ontario/James Bay area, so falling snow and strong winds are to remain in place for much of the region until Saturday night (especially far northern regions)."

"Dangerous winter driving conditions are expected," warns Environment Canada. "Visibility may be reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow, and will also be significantly reduced due to blowing snow in strong and gusty northerly winds."

Some road closures were reported early Friday along with several school bus cancellations across the region. 

Highway 11 closed between #Nipigon and #Hearst due to the weather. #onstorm

— Chris Murphy TWN (@chris_m_twn) February 21, 2014

Wind warnings have also been issued with gusts up to 90 km/h expected Friday.

"Very strong southwesterly winds are expected to develop quite suddenly beginning later this morning in the wake of a sharp Arctic cold front that is blast east across the region," EC says. "These winds are strong enough to cause some tree damage, which may lead to some power outages."

Police are asking motorists to delay any travel plans until the system moves out and conditions improve. 

BEAT THE TRAFFIC : Get The App. Get There Sooner. Beat the Traffic helps ease your commute with recommended routes and real-time adjustments. Beat the Traffic by downloading it today for Apple and now on Android devices as well.

T-Bay getting T-Boned by snow! RT @TheWeatherManC @chris_m_twn Cars buried in #tbay this morning! #onstorm pic.twitter.com/uZ9zXUc3TZ

— Chris Murphy TWN (@chris_m_twn) February 21, 2014