Rain, freezing rain and up to 25 cm of snow coming to Hamilton

Mix rain, ice and up to 25 centimetres of snow and you get one big fat mess.

And that mess is headed straight for Hamilton.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning on top of two special weather statements that call for rain and freezing rain for Hamilton and most of southern Ontario, including Halton and Niagara.

Dunnville, Caledonia and the Haldimand area are under a rainfall warning.

The national weather agency says Hamilton is expected to get between 15 and 25 centimetres of heavy snow starting late Thursday afternoon or evening and continuing into Friday morning.

That snow will come in the wake of a significant rainfall - Environment Canada previously issued a separate warning calling for between 10 and 25 millimetres of rain ending early Thursday afternoon.

A low-pressure system tracking just south of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario will bring the messy mix of winter precipitation to southern Ontario. Rain should transition to snow late this afternoon or early this evening.

Freezing rain and ice pellets are possible during the transition, the warning states. The temperature is expected to drop to -2 C Thursday afternoon and hold steady near -8 C into Friday.

Drivers can expect near zero visibility at times in heavy snow and blowing snow, as well as slippery conditions.

GO Transit warned riders to give themselves additional travel time during the storm and to consider postponing non-essential travel if conditions worsen.

With precipitation and snow melt in the forecast, both the Hamilton and Halton conservation authorities on Tuesday issued flood watches for local watersheds.

Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however fast flowing water and flooding of low lying areas and natural floodplains may be expected," Conservation Halton said in a statement.

Residents are reminded to stay clear of all water bodies, including ice surfaces, and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams, both conservation authorities warn.

Elevated water levels, faster moving water, rapidly changing levels and flows, unsafe ice, and slippery banks may pose a significant hazard. Adults are advised to keep children and pets away from water bodies at this time," said HCA.

Water levels and flows in area watercourses are expected to increase significantly.

Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator. jmoore@thespec.com