News Photo by Shannon Vivero Winter storm flurries start mid-morning in downtown Alpena.

ALPENA – Alpena Public Schools announced they are closing early today ahead of a winter storm.

The Alpena area started to see snow flurries about 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the area from 1 p.m. today through 7 p.m. Thursday. Heavy snow with up to a foot of accumulation is expected, along with a light glazing of ice.

School officials made the call to close schools early, in the midst of the impending winter storm headed our way. The calls went out to the public around 10:45 a.m.

Area schools will be closing early Wednesday as follows: Thunder Bay Junior High School at 11:45 a.m., Alpena High School at 11:55 a.m., city elementary schools at 1:15 p.m., country elementary schools at 1:30 p.m.

All evening events are canceled today. Schools are also closed Thursday.