Well, that was certainly a night to remember: and not necessarily for the right reasons. If you were anywhere near Hamilton, Burlington, or Stoney Creek yesterday evening, you likely spent a good chunk of your Tuesday night watching the sky turn an eerie shade of green before the heavens absolutely opened up.
At Team Smulders, we’ve seen our fair share of Southern Ontario weather, but last night’s storm was on another level. From power outages that left thousands in the dark to winds that made it feel like the houses were shaking, it was a wild ride. Now that the sun is up and the coffee is brewing (for those of us who have power back!), it’s time to take stock of what happened and, more importantly, what you need to do next to protect your home.
The Stats: 110 km/h Winds and a Whole Lot of Rain
The storm hit our area around 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. While Environment Canada had issued warnings throughout the afternoon, the sheer intensity of the "bow echo" that swept through the Golden Horseshoe caught many off guard.
According to preliminary weather reports, we saw sustained wind gusts of up to 110 km/h. To put that in perspective, that’s just shy of Category 1 hurricane strength. Combine those winds with marble-sized hail and an absolute deluge of rain, and you have a recipe for property damage.
The hardest-hit areas seemed to be the Hamilton Mountain, Waterdown, and the Orchard neighborhood in Burlington. By 9:00 PM, Alectra Utilities was reporting widespread outages affecting over 15,000 customers across the region. If you were one of the lucky ones who didn't lose power, you probably still spent the evening listening to the rhythmic thwack of hail hitting your windows.
Damage Across the Region: From Hamilton to Burlington
As we started checking in with our clients this morning, the stories of damage began to roll in. It’s clear that this storm didn’t play favorites.
In Hamilton, particularly in the lower city and around Catharine Street North, large tree limbs were brought down, some unfortunately landing on parked cars and front porches. The city’s mature tree canopy is one of its most beautiful features, but on nights like last night, those old maples can become a liability.
Over in Burlington, the wind seemed to be the primary culprit. We’ve seen reports of fences being completely leveled and backyard trampolines taking flight: one ended up two houses down! In the newer developments, where trees are smaller, the damage was more focused on roof shingles and siding.
What to Look for Today: The Post-Storm Inspection
Even if your home looks fine at a glance, 110 km/h winds and heavy rain can cause "hidden" damage that leads to big problems down the road. Whether you're looking at Hamilton homes for sale or you're settled into your "forever home," a quick inspection today is vital.
Here is what Team Smulders recommends you check:
- The Roof: Grab a pair of binoculars and look for missing, curled, or cracked shingles. With winds this high, it’s common for the edges of shingles to lift, breaking the seal and allowing water to seep in during the next rain.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Check if they are sagging or pulled away from the house. Heavy rain can put immense weight on gutters, and wind can rattle them loose. Also, look for "granules" (the sand-like coating from shingles) in the downspouts: this is a sign of hail damage.
- Fences and Gates: Give your fence a gentle shake. High winds can loosen fence posts in the ground, making them prone to falling over in the next minor gust.
- Trees: Look for "widow-makers": large branches that have broken but are still caught high up in the tree. These can fall at any time.
- Foundation and Basement: With the volume of rain we had, check your basement for any signs of seepage or dampness. If your sump pump was working overtime during the power outage, make sure it’s still functioning correctly now.
Need a Hand? The Team Smulders Prep Crew is Ready
We know that dealing with storm cleanup is the last thing you want to do on a Wednesday. Between work and family, who has time to haul away fallen branches or fix a sagging fence?
This is where our Prep Crew comes in. Usually, our crew is busy getting homes ready for the market: painting, minor repairs, and landscaping to ensure our clients get the best possible Burlington home values. However, in times like this, we want to support our community.
If your property took a hit and you need help getting it back in shape: whether you're planning to sell soon or you just want your yard back: reach out. Our crew is experienced, fast, and ready to help with the heavy lifting. We believe in being full-service, and that means being there for our neighbors when the weather gets rough.
The Real Estate Perspective: Protecting Your Investment
You might be wondering, "How does a storm like this affect my property value?"
In the short term, visible damage can be a deterrent for buyers looking at Stoney Creek real estate or Hamilton homes for sale. But in the long term, how you respond to the damage is what matters. A home that has been professionally repaired and maintained after a weather event holds its value much better than one with patched-up shingles or a leaning fence.
This is also a critical time for documentation. If you are planning on making an insurance claim, you need clear photos and a professional assessment of the damage.
Pro Tip from Tobias: If you haven't had a home evaluation in a while, now might be a good time. Knowing the current value of your home not only helps with your long-term financial planning but also ensures you have an accurate "baseline" for your insurance coverage. We offer comprehensive home evaluations that take into account the unique features of your neighborhood, from Ancaster to Dundas.
Moving Forward Together
The Hamilton and Burlington areas are resilient. We’ve seen storms before, and we’ll see them again. The best part of living in this corner of Ontario is the way neighbors help neighbors: I already saw folks out this morning with chainsaws helping clear each other's driveways.
At Team Smulders, we are more than just real estate brokers; we are members of this community. We care about the roofs over your heads as much as the market values inside them.
If you need a recommendation for a reliable roofer, a hand with cleanup from our prep crew, or a quick chat about how Burlington real estate is trending despite the wild weather, give us a call. We’re here to help you weather any storm.
Stay safe out there, Hamilton!
