'Heavy snowfall' possible for Niagara Region on Thursday, says Environment Canada

Environment Canada has issued a weather travel advisory for the Niagara Region, and warns drivers to expect "hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly."

The advisory released early Thursday morning said people in the area should expect "reduced visibility at times in heavy snow and blowing snow."

The agency said Niagara Falls, Welland and southern Niagara Region could see "locally heavy snowfall with total accumulations of 6 to 12 cm" and "peak snowfall rates of 2 to 4 cm per hour." Meanwhile, St. Catharines, Grimsby and northern Niagara Region should expect "total accumulations of 5 to 10 cm."

The warning is expected to run through to the afternoon.

Environment Canada said the conditions are as a result of lake effect snow moving into the area in the morning "before moving out of the area again by this evening."