Winter storm forecast in Ontario; Environment Canada warns Hamilton-area residents: 'Avoid travel'

Environment Canada says heavy snowfall is coming to areas including Hamilton, Brantford, Ont. and Burlington, Ont. late in the day Friday. 

"Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Avoid travel if possible." 

The federal agency issued a travel advisory for a swath of southwestern Ontario, and a winter storm warning for a significant portion of southern, central and eastern Ontario.

The Hamilton advisory states snow is forecast to begin this afternoon and will become heavy at times, with a peak of two to five centimetres per hour, totalling five to 10 centimetres of snow. 

The forecast calls for rain tonight, and wind gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour. Combined with the snow, Environment Canada writes, that will make travel difficult. 

The Burlington advisory is similar, the main difference being snow is forecast to start later in the day.