Cold weather rolls into Hamilton and Niagara, travel advisory issued

Temperatures are expected to drop in Hamilton and the Niagara Region, and residents are being asked to take extra care on the roads.

Both areas are under a winter weather travel advisory from Environment Canada.

According to the weather agency, Niagara could get accumulations of 10 to 15 centimetres of snow Sunday evening.

Over in Hamilton, residents can expect five to 10 centimetres of snow. The city issued a cold weather alert for Sunday night.

In Hamilton, the heaviest snowfall is expected over the city’s east end. In the Niagara region, areas near Lake Ontario will be most affected, Environment Canada said. The snow could continue into Monday morning.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop,” the travel advisory said.

Sunday night could see a low of –14 C in Hamilton, with wind chill making it feel like –22.  A high of –8 C was expected on Sunday.

Niagara Falls is expecting a low of –12 C Sunday overnight, which could feel like –20 with the wind chill. 

“Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Wind always makes it feel colder, and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia,” read the City of Hamilton’s cold weather alert Sunday morning.

The city issues cold weather alerts when temperatures are at or below –15 C or –20 with wind chill.

The alert could continue early next week in Hamilton, as temperatures are expected to continue dropping. Monday could see a high of –10 C, a low of –15 C and –25 wind chill. Tuesday is expected to see a high of –14 C and a low of –18 C.

Recreation centres and public library branches in the city are available as warming spaces during regular business hours, according to the city.

There are also some drop-in overnight warming spaces available in Hamilton: 

• Willow’s Place at 196 Wentworth St. N., open 24/7, has 45 spots for women and gender diverse people.
• Mission Services: Night Link, also at 196 Wentworth St. N., is open every day from 5:30 to 11 p.m., with 25 spots for all genders.
• YWCA Carole Anne’s Place at 75 MacNab St. S., open 6 to 1 p.m., has 40 spots for women and gender diverse people.

During a cold weather alert, the city asks residents stay indoors when possible and check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. 

People who can’t stay indoors should dress in dry layers of clothing, protect their face, ears, hands, and feet and have warm drinks, the city said. They also recommend avoiding coffee and alcohol, as well as “strenuous exercise.”