It's time to haul out the winter gear and shovels, Environment Canada says a "major winter storm" is headed for southern Ontario this week, with up to 30 centimetres of snow possible for Hamilton.

The federal weather agency has issued a special weather statement on Sunday for much of the Hamilton area and Niagara region.

"As if to remind us that spring has not officially begun yet, Mother Nature is gearing up for a significant winter storm," read the special weather statement.

Flurries are forecast to begin today with between 15 and 25 centimetres of snow expected to envelop much of the region by Monday evening.

"Cold Arctic air already in place over the Great Lakes will ensure it will be a dry fluffier snow, resulting in localized blowing snow as winds strengthen during the storm," Environment Canada said.

The timing of the snowfall will likely impact driver's Monday commute, making for slow travel times.

"This snowstorm has the potential to significantly affect travel due to accumulating snow and blowing snow resulting in hazardous winter driving conditions," according to the statement.

As of 10 a.m., the temperature was - 10 C, but felt more like - 12 with the wind chill. Environment Canada is calling for a forecast high of - 5 C, with wind gusts of 20 km/h on Sunday.

The temperature is expected to drop again overnight, with a low of - 11 C, before warming up with the snow tomorrow.

The federal weather agency is calling for a high of - 5 C on Monday.

The snow is expected to taper off on Tuesday night, but Environment Canada says, "winter storm watches and warnings will likely be issued in due course, as the storm track and amounts become more certain."