Wind warning in effect for Hamilton Monday afternoon

March is coming in like a lion after all.

Environment Canada issued a high wind warning for the Hamilton area with wind gusts up to 80 kilometres an hour this afternoon and into the evening. The weather advisory issued the weather statement just before 7 a.m. Monday, March 1.

The strong winds may throw loose objects, cause tree branches to break and damage property. Power outages are also possible," said the weather statement.

Strong west to northwesterly winds gusting up to 80 km/h will develop this afternoon. The strong winds will diminish this evening."

The warning comes after a weekend which saw closures at Hamilton conservation areas, due to icy conditions. It is unclear when they will reopen.

Temperatures are expected to fall to -8 C Monday afternoon with the wind chill making it feel more like -17 C. Tonight you could see flurries and the very heavy winds diminishing to gusts of 30 to 50 km/h and then becoming light after midnight.

In keeping with traditions, in like a lion means out like a lamb. After all, the Wiarton Willie 2021 Prediction said early spring.

Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com