Strong winds up to 80 km/h expected to blow through Hamilton Thursday

Be sure to tie down your patio furniture, Hamilton - you're in for a windy Thursday.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the city, warning of strong winds that are expected to blow through Steeltown Thursday.

The strong southerly and southwesterly winds, which could produce gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour, are predicted to start early Thursday morning before a cold front makes its way through the region, according to the national weather agency.

The high winds may toss around loose objects and cause tree branches to break as they whip through the region. Power outages are also possible, warned Environment Canada.

The winds are expected to fizzle out throughout the afternoon and into the evening as they shift westerly.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com