Freezing rain warning calls for slick conditions in Hamilton

Snow and freezing rain are expected to hit Hamilton and the Niagara Region Tuesday night before the temperature soars above zero, bringing strong winds and rain.

Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for the area and says a Colorado low will head northeast across Lake Huron and Georgian Bay Wednesday, bringing a "dramatic change in the weather" along for the ride.

The weather agency predicts blustery conditions will move through the region tonight, dropping 2 cm to 5 cm of snow.

"The snow and ice pellets will change over to or become mixed with a period of freezing rain overnight tonight," Environment Canada says. "The freezing rain may last several hours before changing over to rain early Wednesday morning."

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance."

Temperatures will briefly jump above freezing and strong, southwesterly winds gusting 70 to 80 km/h are expected later in the day Wednesday.