A winter storm has shut down most of Niagara.

Environment Canada says the storm, which started bearing down around 5am will dump up to 35cm in some areas of the region by Friday night.

Most schools are shut down, many community events cancelled as well.

For a full list of cancellations and closures click here.

Meteorologist Geoff Coulson says the storm will start tapering off throughout the afternoon, but until then visibility will be poor.

The Niagara Region has decided to cancel garbage and recycling collection and are asking residents not to places garbage cans or blue bins on the curb.  Instead, it says waste collection will resume Saturday morning and to have your trash and recyclables curbside by 7 a.m. It also asks that you clear away any snow covering your bins otherwise they could be overlooked.

All landfill sites and drop-off depots are closed for the day.

Toronto's Pearson International Airport has posted a travel advisory on its website, urging passengers to check flight information before heading for the airport.

Many flights have been cancelled.