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Now winter’s getting serious.

A snowstorm and Environment Canada’s warning of freezing rain on the way has prompted the cancellation of all school bus service in the regions.

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Schools will remain open, however.

By 9 a.m., Environment Canada had officially issued a winter storm warning, recommending any non-essential travel be avoided.

The storm that began early today has already dropped up to 15 cm of snow in spots in the region and is expected to leave up to 25 cm before it’s done, while the temperature climbs towards a high of -3 C.

But the weather folks warn freezing rain could begin this afternoon or early evening, as the temperature climbs even higher to about 4 C by Thursday morning.

The thaw won’t last long.

Periods of rain end Thursday morning, switching to a 40 per cent chance of flurries, then the temperature drops to 1 C by afternoon and -12 C overnight.

Friday’s forecast features mixed skies, a 40 per cent chance of flurries and a high of -11 C. Overnight, there’s a 30 per cent chance of flurries and low of -23 C.