Up to 15 cm of snow forecast Wednesday evening for Hamilton area, says Environment Canada

Environment Canada says Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford are in for a winter storm with snow and freezing rain possible late Wednesday into Thursday. 

The federal weather agency issued a snowfall warning Wednesday morning for Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford.

People  should brace for snowfall amounts nearing 15 centimetres, poor visibility in heavy snow and local blowing snow, as well as a risk of freezing rain, the federal weather agency says.

"Significant snowfall associated with a low pressure system is likely for the area beginning Wednesday evening," reads a special weather statement from Environment Canada.

"Confidence in the exact track of the low pressure system is uncertain at this point, but it is likely that snow will transition to freezing rain or rain late Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

"If the track of the low pressure system shifts farther south, precipitation will remain predominantly snow, and significantly higher amounts will be possible," the agency added.

Regardless of the track of the weather system, Environment Canada says hazardous travel conditions are likely Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. Motorists are urged to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Haldimand-Norfolk and the Niagara region were under a weather advisory — likely to see less snow with five to 10 centimetres, but could also experience freezing rain. 

Hospital sees 25 hip fractures in 1 week due to slips

Icy conditions this month have already caused an "alarming number of hip fractures" in Hamilton, says Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS).

In the first week of February, Juravinski Hospital's emergency department saw more than 25 hip fractures, which medical staff there said were likely caused by slips and falls during the winter. 

"The weather is likely to blame, and we encourage everyone to be cautious of your surroundings, wear appropriate footwear, and keep paths clear or salted," Dr. Alim Pardhan, chief of emergency medicine at HHS, said in a news release Tuesday. 

HHS warned people to "take extreme caution when navigating slippery surfaces," in order to avoid injury.