Christmas chill brings risk of more power outages for Hamilton area

Environment Canada is warning Hamilton residents to prepare for colder than average temperatures of the Christmas period — a chill that brings the risk of a new round of power outages to the area.  

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Hamilton and many parts of southern Ontario Tuesday, noting temperatures have fallen well below freezing Tuesday morning with northwesterly winds of 20 kilometres per hour. The overnight low will drop further to near –15 C for many parts of the region. Temperatures will remain well below freezing on Christmas Day.

The special weather statement comes after a wicked snow storm last week that left thousands of Hamilton residents without power. The ice left behind from that storm combined with below-freezing temperatures will cause “considerable impact” for the region for the next few days, Environment Canada says.

In addition, more ice-covered tree branches could fall due to the winds, Environment Canada says. The ice will likely remain on many surfaces through Christmas and Boxing Day until the end of the week.

Those without power are advised to seek warm shelters and prepare for colder than average temperatures.