Winter weather advisory in effect as northwestern Ontario expects 10 to 15 centimetres of snow

People in northwestern Ontario will want to have their shovels ready as much of the region prepares for heavy snowfall on Tuesday. 

Environment Canada issued a weather advisory for the northwest as about 10 to 15 centimetres of snow is forecasted to fall this afternoon and into the evening. 

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow," reads the weather advisory issued by Environment Canada early Tuesday morning. 

The weather advisory is in effect for the north shore area, stretching west to Thunder Bay and Kenora. More northern areas like Beardmore, Sioux Lookout, and Ear Falls are also under the winter weather advisory.

Areas around Marathon and Schreiber may also experience snow squalls this evening, and possibly into Wednesday, according to Environment Canada. 

The weather agency says the snow is due to an Alberta Clipper system making its way through the northwest. 

The potential of a winter storm in the northwest comes as parts of eastern Ontario continue to shovel out after intense snow late last week. 

Gravenhurst, Ont., a town in Muskoka was hit with around 140 centimetres of snowfall, and declared a state of emergency early Sunday.

Sault Ste. Marie was also slammed by lake effect snow over the weekend, forcing the shut down of multiple services. 

"The storm track has, for the latter part of November, really been more over the eastern part of Lake Superior and other areas into northeastern Ontario. But it does look like a bit of a shift is taking place ... it does look like that's setting up for a pattern to have somewhat more active weather, at least in parts of Northwestern Ontario, for the month of December," said Geoff Coulson, meterologist with Enviroment Canada.

The prospects of a heavy snowfall in the northwest region will be welcome news for winter sport enthusiasts in the region, after a disappointing November. 

Environment Canada is urging people to stay on top of road conditions before traveling in Ontario. For conditions and other traveller information visit the Ministry of Transportation website, or call 511.