30 to 50 mm of rain expected this week for Hamilton, Niagara and area

Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, the Niagara region and surrounding areas can expect up to 50 millimetres of rain on Wednesday and Thursday, Environment Canada said.

The weather agency issued a rainfall warning Wednesday morning and a special weather statement was also in place in Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford due to the possibility of freezing rain.

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy, slippery and hazardous," Environment Canada warned.

The rain is set to start on Wednesday morning and end Wednesday night or early Thursday.

Rain is expected to be heavy at times with between 30 to 50 millimetres falling, the warning said. 

"Locally higher amounts are possible if thunderstorms repeatedly impact the same area," it said.

Environment Canada said flooding in low-lying areas is possible and recommends people reach out to their local conservation authority or Ministry of Natural Resources office for more information on possible flooding.

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) issued a flood watch on Monday and said all water levels in the area are expected to increase "significantly" due to the rain.

"HCA wishes to remind residents to use caution near all water bodies and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams during this time," HCA said.

The HCA advised to keep children and pets away from water bodies. 

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation issued a similar advisory for the Niagara region, as well as the eastern portion of Haldimand County. It expects the rain to cause creeks and rivers to flood in low-lying areas. 

"Major flooding of watercourses is not anticipated at this time," said the notice.