Winter storm warning for Hamilton; 15-20 cm of snow possible

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Published March 2, 2023 at 5:15 pm

Hamilton should gird for a whole mess of snow thanks to a “Texas low,” says the federal climate and weather agency.

A winter storm warning was for the city and surrounding area in regard to a weather system that is expected to move into the region from the southwest sometime on Friday (March 3) in either the afternoon or early evening. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a winter storm watch initally, then levelled up to a “warning” shortly after 5 p.m. today.

“A Texas low is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to a large swath of southern Ontario,” ECCC says. “Snow will begin late Friday afternoon or early evening and quickly become heavy at times. Heavy snow in combination with strong easterly winds will create significantly reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions.”

The main concerns, ECCC adds, are that surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. The range of hazards includes:

  • Significantly reduced visibility due to heavy snow and blowing snow.
  • Total snowfall accumulations of 15 to 20 cm.
  • Snowfall rates up to 3 cm/h possible..
  • Rapidly accumulating snowfall creating hazardous travel conditions.

“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow,” ECCC adds.

The storms that the city had on Feb. 22 and 27 left total snow cover of 15 cm as of Wednesday (March 1). Some of that is likely to melt off today (March 2), as the daytime high is expected to reach 5C.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issues winter storm watches when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.

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