Snow squall and winter storm warnings issued for Thunder Bay and parts of northwest region

Environment Canada has issued a number of weather alerts Monday morning for parts of the northwest, warning of snowy and windy conditions.

Manitouwadge, Hornepayne and White River areas are all under winter storm warnings.

"Heavy snow and reduced visibility in blowing snow will continue into this afternoon. Conditions may be particularly dangerous as a sharp cold front moves through late this morning or this afternoon which could produce near zero visibility," reads the Environment Canada alert.

The agency warns 15 centimetres of snow are expected, along with strong wind gusts of up to 80 km/h.

Algoma and Huron-Superior Transportation Services cancelled all school bus routes in White River and Hornepaye for the  day due to the forecast.

Environment Canada said power outages and road closures are possible in the areas due to the storm, which is expected to last into the afternoon.

Thunder Bay, Kakabeka, Marathon and Nipigon areas are also under snow squall warnings Monday morning, but Environment Canada said low visibility may only last about an hour or two.

"Brief whiteout conditions and wind gusts to 70 kilometre per hour are likely. Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions," reads the weather alert.

A mix of snow and flurries is forecast for throughout the evening across the northwest, with local amounts of two to four centimetres anticipated.