Winter storm approaches

(Updated)

It’s the early stages of the latest blast of winter weather to hit our region. The official start of winter may still be a week away, but the snow has already started in some areas tonight. And it could really add up depending on where you live.

The flakes are intermittent at this point in St. Catharines. Accumulation has been 2cm so far with Environment Canada expecting from 5-10cm in Niagara and Hamilton regions and 5cm in Halton.

Wind is the big issue early with gusts up to 50km per hour.

The city of Hamilton roads department say they are ready for this, the second bout of winter we’ve had so far this year. They have 100 people on call and a new local supplier for salt this year so that they do not have to ration salt like last year.

They’re expecting to have main routes plowed off after 4 to 8 hours. Residential streets are expected to be plowed within 24 hours.

Commuters we spoke to have mixed opinions about the upcoming blast of winter.

“Both have our snow tires on, so we’re well prepared that way.”

“We’ve got the snow blower on the tractor, we’ve got our boots and new mitts that are goose-lined down so we’re good to go.”

“This is nothing. We play hockey on the pond in 20cm. So 50 will do nothing and we’ll never see 50. So we’re good.”

The OPP say that it’s not during the snow but after the snow has finished falling that you get those very violent high speed crashes. People get a false sense of confidence and begin driving like its fair weather conditions. So drive according to the conditions.