Update: Winter storm watches issued for Thunder Bay, Superior North areas

THUNDER BAY — Environment Canada has issued winter storm watches for Thunder Bay and Lake Superior north shore areas, saying a winter storm is expected late Thursday into Saturday.

But "there remains some uncertainty in the exact track of the system, which will affect total snowfall amounts," the agency said in a notice issued Wednesday morning.

It said snow is expected to begin to fall on the city early Thursday morning in advance of what it calls "the main event."

By the time the system leaves the area, 15 to 30 centimetres may have fallen by Saturday morning for Thunder Bay.

Areas to the east may get even more snow, with Environment Canada forecasting between 25 and 50 centimetres for north shore areas, along with Manitouwadge and Hornepayne.

The snowfall will turn heavy at times, with local blowing snow expected Thursday night in the midst of gusty northeasterly winds, and continue through Friday.

Visibility at times could be reduced to near zero.

Environment Canada said residents should prepare for significant travel delays and road closures.