Freezing rain, wind gusts expected in Hamilton on Thursday

The national weather agency is counselling Hamilton residents to “consider postponing non-essential travel” on Thursday due to anticipated inclement weather.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (EC) says a “wintry mix,” moving from northern to southern Ontario, will pass through the area in two days (on Dec. 15). For Hamilton, that means the possibility of roadways icing over due to freezing rain that will turn into snow over the course of the day. Souteasterly wind gusts up to 80 km/h are also anticipated.

“Freezing rain is expected Thursday morning until early Thursday afternoon, where it will then transition into snow,” EC says. “Strong wind gusts are expected to begin early Thursday morning and persist until Thursday evening.”

Total snowfall accumulation is expected to be about 5 cm (two inches). But potential effects include: icy and slippery roads, power outages, damage to trees and property due to freezing rain and strong wind gusts. As such, erring on the side of caution might mean “consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”

Skies over Hamilton were clear on Tuesday and are expected to be again on Wednesday, with a daytime high around the freezing mark (OC). But there is a 90 per cent chance of precipitation for Thursday, and 87% for Friday. Forecast highs are not expected to rise above freezing over the weekend.