Hundreds affected by power outages in Niagara as high winds hit Hamilton and surrounding areas
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More than 1,000 people were affected by power outages in Fort Erie and Port Colborne as winds of up to 110 km/h hit the Niagara Region.
The Canadian Niagara Power Inc., which provides electricity to the two cities, said as of midday Monday at least 1,114 were impacted by outages. By early afternoon, it said hundreds were still affected, according to its website, but by Monday evening, power had been restored to most customers.
The company said, in updates on its Facebook page, that “severe weather” caused the outages and encouraged residents to call 1-800-278-WIRE (5394) to report them.
Alectra was reporting outages in Hamilton and Niagara. In Stoney Creek earlier on Monday, it said 126 customers were without power, starting around 11 a.m., with restoration estimated for the afternoon.
Around 1 p.m., more than 1,000 customers had no power in several outages in St. Catharines, Ont., according to Alectra. More than 3,000 had lost power earlier in the day.
By Monday evening, Alectra’s outages map showed power was restored in Stoney Creek and a few dozen customers in St. Catharines were awaiting for it to be restored there.
Kristine Carmichael, director of corporate customer service for Canadian Niagara Power, told CBC News earlier in the day, a number of crews were out attending to the outages in the Fort Erie and Port Colborne areas.
“We’re asking customers just to be patient … and please stay clear of any downed power [lines],” she said.
“We have plans to continue working into the evening. And we have activated mutual assistance processes to get support from other utilities if that’s needed.”
Carmichael said outages began at around 7 a.m., mostly due to trees falling on the lines.
A snow squall warning was also issued for Hamilton on Monday, according to Environment Canada, which warned of ‘near zero visibility’ at times during a brief but heavy snowfall. (Aura Carreño Rosas/CBC)
Winds to ease Monday evening
Environment Canada issued a weather warning on Monday advising of wind gusts of 90 to 110 km/h in the area.
A snow squall warning was also issued for Hamilton, according to the weather agency, which warned of “near zero visibility,” during a “brief, intense snowfall.”
Strong southwesterly and northwesterly wind gusts of 80 to 90 km/h were forecast for Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford and the Niagara Region on Monday, according to the weather agency.
In a yellow warning issued just after 5:30 a.m., Environment Canada says “strong southwesterly winds” were expected to develop in the morning with the passage of “a strong cold front.”
The winds were expected to become northwesterly through the afternoon, and would ease this evening, the agency said.
As the warning remains in effect, people are being advised of the following:
- Local utility outages are possible.
- Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible.
- Some property damage is possible.
- Secure loose objects.
A yellow warning indicates a chance of localized or short-term moderate impacts, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Snow squalls possible in Brantford
In addition to the wind warning, Environment Canada also issued a snow squall watch for Brantford.
The agency says snow squalls were possible beginning Monday morning or afternoon and easing to scattered flurries Tuesday morning or afternoon.
There will be “near zero visibility at times in local blowing snow,” the agency said, adding that “total local snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 cm” are expected.
Environment Canada says travel in the area may be extremely hazardous, and road closures and utility outages are possible.
“Consider rescheduling travel and outdoor activities. Prepare for the possibility of quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” it warns.
