Cold weather rolls into Hamilton and Niagara, travel advisory issued

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

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

According to the weather bureau, Niagara could get accumulations of 10 to 15 centimeters of snow Sunday night.

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

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

“Be prepared to adapt your driving to changing road conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch taillights ahead and be prepared to stop,” the travel guide says.

Sunday night saw a low of -14C in Hamilton, with wind chills making it feel like -22. On Sunday, a temperature of -8 C was expected.

Niagara Falls is expecting a low of -12 C overnight Sunday, 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 chills,” read the City of Hamilton’s cold weather advisory Sunday morning.

The city issues cold weather alerts when the temperature is at or below -15 C or -20 with wind chill.

The warning could continue into early next week in Hamilton as temperatures are expected to continue to drop. Monday could see a high of -10 C, a low of -15 C and -25 wind chill. Tuesday is expected to see a maximum of -14 C and a minimum of -18 C.

Recreation centers and public library departments in the city are available as warming rooms during regular business hours, according to the city.

There are also some drop-ins warm rooms at night available in Hamilton:

• Willow’s Place at 196 Wentworth St. N., open 24/7, has 45 places for women and gender differences.
• Mission Services: Night Link, also at 196 Wentworth St. N., is open every day from 17:30 to 23:00 with 25 places for all genders.
• YWCA Carole Anne’s Place at 75 MacNab St. S., open 6 to 1 p.m., has 40 spaces for women and gender diversity.

During a cold weather advisory, the city is asking residents to stay indoors whenever possible and check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.

People who cannot 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”.