Snowfall, ice pellet accumulations up to 5 cm for Hamilton and area on Boxing Day: Environment Canada

A mix of ice pellets and snow are in the forecast for Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and St. Catharines on Boxing Day, Environment Canada says.

In a special weather statement, Environment Canada says snowfall and ice pellet accumulations up to five centimetres are in the forecast, and there’s also a risk of freezing rain.

“A mix of ice pellets and snow is expected to begin midday today and end from west to east through this evening,” the weather agency said. 

“Snowfall amounts may be reduced due to the mixing with ice pellets at times. There is also the risk of freezing rain this afternoon or evening.”

Environment Canada is advising people that roads and walkways could become icy and slippery. 

Travel could be difficult due to accumulating snow, and motorists should expect difficult winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly, the statement added.

The City of Hamilton is advising motorists to be safe on the roads.

“Our crews are out on the roads and will be responding to the changing weather,” reads a post on X. “As always, drive according to weather conditions and give our crews space to operate.”

Yellow warning, freezing rain for Brantford

Meanwhile, Environment Canada says people in Brantford, Ont., could see significant freezing rain on Friday.

Freezing rain is expected to begin this morning or midday and continue into the afternoon.  Ice accretion of five to 10 mm is likely. Some areas will also receive ice pellets making surfaces slippery, the agency says.

“Roads and walkways will likely become icy and slippery. Icy surfaces could be difficult to detect. Local utility outages are possible,” Environment Canada said, warning people to “be very careful if walking or driving.”