Parts of northwestern Ontario in for 15 to 25 cm of snow by Friday morning

Environment Canada is forecasting significant snowfall for parts of northwestern Ontario beginning Thursday night into Friday morning.

A snowfall warning was issued early Thursday for Thunder Bay and areas west toward the Manitoba border. The warning includes Red Lake and Sioux Lookout areas as well.

Flurries have already covered up parts of Thunder Bay, hiding icy surfaces on streets and sidewalks. The snow comes after a warm spell in the region this week, with temperatures reaching above the freezing mark.

About 15 to 25 centimetres of snow is expected beginning Thursday night, but the weather agency said the highest snowfall amounts will likely cover areas of higher terrain, especially near Thunder Bay.

"Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow," reads the weather warning from Environment Canada.

Environment Canada said the snow is due to an Alberta clipper system making its way through the region.

Peak snowfall rates of 2 to 4 centimetres of snow is expected. The snow is anticipated to taper by Friday morning.

Weather advisories were also in effect across much of the province early Thursday morning, as Environment Canada said snowfall was possible in areas such as the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa. The advisory was lifted around 9:45 a.m.

The snow comes as people in Ontario head to the polls to cast ballots in Thursday's provincial election.

While it is yet to be seen if this latest blast of winter weather will affect voters, disability advocates in Ontario have warned some people may face accessibility issues on election day, especially in Toronto where the city continues cleanup from back-to-back snowstorms.

It has been an unusual election, with candidates battling icy stairs, brutal snowstorms and frigid temperatures while canvassing in the first winter campaign since 1981.