Winter storm warning for Hamilton, Halton, Niagara regions

A storm expected to move in Wednesday afternoon presents a freezing rain warning for Hamilton residents, with ice accretion of up to 20 millimeters possible.

Environment Canada has issued weather warnings for almost all of southern Ontario. A wintry mix of snow and freezing rain can cause significantly hazardous driving conditions.

Freezing rain is turning into heavy snow for the afternoon commute. Northeasterly winds can reach 50 to 70 km/h with the strongest gusts expected for exposed areas downwind of Lake Ontario.

Freezing rain can lead to extensive damage such as power outages and snapped tree branches because the ice build up on surfaces makes things really heavy as well as slippery.

READ MORE: Winter Storm Watch weather forecast: February 21, 2023

Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.

Another mix of winter weather is going to fill tomorrow afternoon into the evening as well.

Residents are reminded to take precautions to stay safe such as postponing non-essential travel and staying off the roads.