UPDATE: Hamilton hit by sudden snowfall Friday morning. Travel advisory in effect

Hamilton is under a snow squall warning.

The warning was issued by Environment Canada at 8:15 a.m. Friday. An earlier travel advisory issued by the weather service was upgraded to warn of snow squalls and snowfall amounts from 10 to 15 centimetres by Friday afternoon.

A snow squall can quickly reduce visibility to zero due to heavy and blowing snow. You can also expect a large accumulation of snow in a short amount of time.

According to Hamilton police, James Mountain Road was closed in both directions due to weather conditions and has since reopened. Police also warn of other possible road closures due to slippery conditions.

The snow squall warning came into effect Friday morning while the city was under a cold weather alert. Hamilton's Medical Officer of Health cancelled the cold alert just before 10 a.m. Cold weather alerts happen when temperatures are at or below -15 C, or -20 C with wind chill.

Temperatures Friday morning are expected to be -7 C. With wind chill, it will feel more like -19 C in the morning and -12 C in the afternoon.

During a cold weather alert, citizens are asked to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours. Community agencies that work with people who are homeless will implement their cold-weather policies. City recreation centres are open during regular hours for those needing to keep warm, as is the MacNab Transit Terminal. To report a person in need of shelter call the Salvation Army at 905-527-1444, ext. 0.

Environment Canada also warns of poor visibility in snow and blowing snow, especially along the QEW between Stoney Creek to Burlington.

GO transit is reporting bus delays of around 20 minutes because of the weather conditions.

Motorists are reminded to drive safely.

Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com