Hamilton declares 'significant weather event' as major snowfall of up to 40 cm begins

Yet more snow is headed to the Hamilton and Niagara regions this weekend.

The City of Hamilton declared a "Significant Weather Event" as of Saturday at noon, and said the city could see up to 40 centimetres of snow by Monday. 

"It does not automatically mean all city facilities are closed or that programs are cancelled," it said in a media statement Saturday. "This declaration suspends the standard timelines required for municipalities to meet their winter maintenance objectives... Given the amount of snow expected, the city thanks residents for their continued support and patience as city teams work diligently to address the conditions." 

Snow began to fall throughout the day Saturday. 

Environment Canada issued a winter storm watch for Saturday and Sunday, saying Hamilton, Niagara, Brant and surrounding areas are all expecting to get up to 35 centimetres of snow.

The advisories were issued just days after the area was hit by wet, heavy snow that closed schools, offices and libraries on Thursday for the day.

The weather agency said on Friday snow mixed with freezing drizzle could make visibility difficult at times and cause "ice build-up and slippery surfaces." 

"Avoid travel if possible. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas," read the weather advisory.

In Hamilton, residents can see when their street or neighbourhood is being cleared by following the city's Plow Tracking map. It shows where snow maintenance vehicles have been in the last two hours.

The city also said updates "about snow clearing progress, changes to service levels, transit delays, program cancellation" would be shared on its website. 

Avoid travel on Sunday, says Environment Canada

Sunday was expecting to see "peak snowfall rates" of three to six centimetres per hour, Environment Canada said Friday. Accumulation of 15 to 25 centimetres are expected, according to Environment Canada.

Freezing rain is also possible Sunday morning for parts of the Niagara Peninsula. The weather agency is asking that people avoid travel if possible. 

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery." said Environment Canada.

Changes to some transit routes

In anticipation of the snowfall, provincial transit agency Metrolinx said it was adjusting it schedules this weekend. The changes will be in effect from Saturday to Monday, it said in an email Friday.

For Lakeshore West customers, GO Trains that start or end in Oakville will not run, but trains will continue to run every 30 minutes between Union Station and Oakville GO. No changes are in effect for customers between Bronte and Niagara Falls. 

Metrolinx is operating GO Bus routes on its regular Saturday schedule throughout the long weekend, but customers should prepare for delays due to the winter road conditions, the email says.