Travel advisory issued for Hamilton region ahead of winter storm

Environment Canada has issued several weather warnings ahead of a winter storm that is bound for Ontario this weekend.

In Hamilton, Halton, Brant County and some parts of the Niagara region, a winter travel advisory is already in effect.

The federal weather agency says the cell could bring as much as 10 centimetres of snow to Hamilton and the surrounding area.

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The organization is warning motorists to be careful and says travel should be avoided.

It says a combination of winds reaching speeds of 70 km/hr mixed with heavy snow will drastically reduce visibility and create hazardous winter driving conditions.

The City of Hamilton has been preparing throughout the day Friday to keep roads as safe as possible should people need to travel.

“”We have our 20-thousand tons of salt stacked in our domes, our trucks are prepped, you can see them loading right now. We’ve been watching this storm for about a week, once it actually hits, we’ll be out on the escarpments in priority areas treating the roads.” said Peter Sniuolis, Manager of Roadway Maintenance.

The City says over the weekend the drop in temperature could result in dangerous road conditions.

For some in Hamilton, the winter weather is welcome and at the Glen Eden ski resort, some say they are looking forward to the colder temperatures.

“That’s what we’re really excited about because that’s where our snow making team is going to make magic happen and get us from the few sloped behind me that are open right now, up to having much more of our terrain open and operable for our members and guests.” says AJ Leeming, Glen Eden’s Senior Manager of Programs and Services.

A major storm rolling into the Great Lakes on Friday will bring heavy snowfall, dangerous road conditions, and even a risk for thundersnow. #ONstorm https://t.co/56xHpyIS0v

— The Weather Network (@weathernetwork) January 12, 2024

Some parts of the province can expect upwards of 25 centimetres.

Ottawa, Barrie, Peterborough, Caledon, Uxbridge, Beaverton, Northern Durham Region, Newmarket, Georgina and Northern York Region are all under a more severe winter storm warning.

Environment Canada is forecasting anywhere from 10 to 25 centimetres of snow to hit those areas.

The federal weather agency is held a technical briefing Friday afternoon outlining details of the storm ahead of its arrival.