Warnings in effect for Hamilton, Niagara with snow, freezing rain on the way

Weather warnings are in effect for parts of Southern Ontario including Hamilton and Niagara Region.

Environment Canada says Hamilton is expected to get blanketed with up to 25 cm of snow on Thursday.

Snow will begin late Thursday afternoon and last until Friday morning.

The weather will cause surfaces like highways, roads, walkways and parking lots to be icy and slippery.

Drivers should be prepared for changing road conditions.

The snow will be heavy at times and could cause near-zero visibility.

In Niagara, rainfall, combined with melting snow, is expected in the afternoon.

The region could receive between 20 and 35 mm of rainfall by the evening.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding is also possible.

Environment Canada is warning caregivers to keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks.

A snowfall warning is in effect with precipitation expected to transition to snow this evening and persist overnight.

The weather agency says the rain will transition to freezing rain or ice pellets as temperatures fall.