Environment Canada has upgraded the winter storm watch to a warning for the North Bay area.

It says snow will start near noon on Tuesday and at times it will be heavier amounts.

The warning says after a lull on Tuesday night it will intensify again overnight and persist into Wednesday.

Total amount is estimated at between 20-30 cm before it tapers off on Wednesday afternoon.

As well, winds will gust to 70 km/h causing reduced visibility in blowing snow.

The warning says highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.

Filed under: Environment Canada, winter storm warning