Welcome back winter!

Sault Ste. Marie awoke to a fresh fluffy blanket of snow this morning.

And we're sorry to say that more is coming.

If it makes you feel better, we're not in for the worst of it.

Blind River, Thessalon, Elliot Lake, Espanola and Manitoulin Island are under a weather warning with with as much as 30 centimetres of snow expected today, tonight and Thursday morning.

The Sault is only expected to get 10-15 centimetres by tomorrow.

The following is a special weather statement issued this morning by Environment Canada:

*************************
Special weather statement in effect for:

• Sault Ste. Marie - St. Joseph Island
• Searchmont - Montreal River Harbour - Batchawana Bay

A low pressure system from the west is expected to bring a significant April snowfall to the area beginning this morning then continuing tonight into Thursday morning.

Snow is expected to be heavy at times.

Latest indications suggest a total snowfall of 10 to 15 cm by Thursday morning. Locally higher amounts are possible.

There is still some uncertainty regarding the exact track of the low which will affect the location of the heaviest snow. Snowfall warnings are in effect for regions to the south and east where total amounts of 15 cm or more are forecast.

Driving conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly after the snow arrives. Motorists should be prepared for a return to hazardous winter driving conditions from accumulating snow and low visibility in heavy snow and adjust travel plans accordingly.

Environment Canada will continue to closely monitor this developing situation and warnings may be issued if the low pressure system tracks a little closer to the region than currently expected.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports to #ONStorm.

*************************