Frostbite risk with -28 C wind chill as Hamilton digs out from snowstorm

Hamilton remained in winter's icy clutches Sunday, with wind chill values making it feel like -28 C outside as the city dug out from a huge dump of snow.

The city issued a statement Sunday morning saying crews are focused on clearing all roads, including residential streets, as well as HSR bus stops and city-owned sidewalks.

"Blowing snow is an issue, crews are working hard to keep everything clear," the city said in a tweet.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Peter Kimbell told CBC News that about 40 cm of snow fell in most areas of Hamilton, with some areas getting walloped by as much as 50 cm.

"It was certainly nothing to sneeze at for snowfall amounts for a one-day storm," he said.

Though the snow is likely over with for now, cold temperatures persist in the region.

The city's medical officer of health has issued a cold weather alert that is still in effect. These alerts are issued when weather conditions are at or below -15 C or feellike -20 C with the wind chill.

According to Environment Canada, it was -15 C in Hamilton Sunday morning, with the wind chill making it feel more like -28 C cold enough for the weather agency to warn there's a risk of frostbite.

Those frigid temperatures are expected to continue overnight and into Monday. Sunday night's low is -21 C with a wind chill of -32 C. It's more of the same on Monday, with a high of -10 C and wind chill values of -32 C in the morning, rising to -18 C by the afternoon.

More snow is expected on Tuesday evening, Kimbell said, with temperatures rising to 3 C on Wednesday.

Saturday night was a busy onefor police and tow trucks on the highways, said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt.

He told CBC News there were over 300 crashes in and around the GTA and stretching into Hamilton and Niagara on Saturday, heading into Sunday morning.

"The roads were a mess, lots of problems," he said.

Things were a little calmer on city streets, Hamilton police say.

East end Staff Sgt. Steve Caton told CBC news police were getting the odd call for cars that had slid into ditches, but nothing too major.

"The plows are out doing their thing, and the main roads are getting under control,"
he said.

"It looks like most of the public decided to stay home and wait it out."

adam.carter@cbc.ca