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90 km/h winds in Hamilton lead to power outages and other damages

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Hamilton and surrounding areas, warning of strong winds Wednesday afternoon.

Damage to trees and buildings might occur, Environment Canada warns

Amara McLaughlin · CBC News ·
Pedestrians battle heavy winds in Hamilton. This photo was taken on a windy Wednesday afternoon in Hamilton in 2017.
Pedestrians battled heavy winds in Hamilton on Wednesday afternoon. Environment Canada is expecting wind gusts to reach 90 km/h. (Amara McLaughlin/CBC)

Strong winds have led to power outages, fallen trees, flying garbage cans, out-of-order traffic lights and broken glass doors across much of Hamilton.

The HSR was also reporting some delays from downed branches and problems with traffic signals.

Repair crews were busy fixing problems with traffic signals, caused by wind damage on Wednesday afternoon. (Andres Billiald/CBC)

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Hamilton and surrounding areas, warning of strong winds Wednesday afternoon. 

Strong southwesterly winds of up to 60 km/h are forecast to develop today, but according to the federal weather agency, wind gusts could reach 90 km/h. 

Crews work on removing a tree at an apartment complex along James Street, near Burlington Street. (Andres Billiald/CBC)

"The wind may be strong enough at times to cause minor tree and building damage," the statement said. 

"High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions." 

Wind gusts blew debris onto streets, creating hazardous driving conditions. (Amara McLaughlin/CBC)
Downed branches caused extensive damage to buildings and other property. (Andres Billiald/CBC)

The weather statement also covers Brantford, St. Catharines and the Niagara region. 

Horizon Utilities said it was "all hands on deck" for repair crews, with additional crews being called in, as weather-related power outages are affecting more than 15,000 customers in the city.

A passersby reported that a glass door was shattered by flying debris at Jackson Square. 

Winds are expected to diminish early in the evening. 

With files from Andres Billiald

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