The first major snowfall of the season is expected to hit parts of the Golden Horseshoe Area with Environment Canada issuing a winter storm warning.

The weather agency says “hazardous winter conditions” are expected for Hamilton, St. Catharines and Grimsby.

The forecaster says some areas could see 25 to 30 cm of snowfall.

Light snow is expected to fall early Monday and become heavy at times throughout the afternoon and evening.

“Gusty northeast winds off of Lake Ontario combined with higher terrain of the Niagara escarpment will lead to snowfall enhancement locally from near Hamilton eastward across northern Niagara,” says Environment Canada in a weather alert on their website.

The rapidly accumulating snow could make travel in some areas difficult and visibility low. Drivers are being warned to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating conditions.

A snowfall warning is in effect for Burlington, Oakville, Dunnville, Caledonia and Haldimand with roughly 15 to 25 cm of snow expected to fall throughout the day and into the evening.