Stay Alert for Slick Roads as Freezing Rain Falls Across Ontario
Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for various parts of Ontario, urging residents to exercise caution due to hazardous road conditions and the potential for power outages. This significant weather event, anticipated to impact a wide swath of the province, is expected to begin on Monday morning and continue into the afternoon.
Impacts of Freezing Rain Across Ontario
A low-pressure system is the culprit behind this icy onslaught. The freezing rain is expected to transition into rain or drizzle as temperatures rise above freezing. However, Environment Canada cautions that freezing drizzle may persist through Monday evening, especially in higher elevations. This means highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots are likely to become extremely icy and slippery.
The national weather agency strongly advises taking extra precautions while walking or driving in affected areas. They also recommend being prepared for the possibility of utility outages. The affected regions span a wide area, including Barrie-Collingwood-Hillsdale, Caledon, Cobourg, and many other communities across central and eastern Ontario. The freezing rain, resulting from rain falling in sub-zero temperatures, is expected to create significant ice accumulation.
Areas Under Freezing Rain Warnings
The extensive list of areas under a freezing rain warning includes several major population centres and stretches across a significant portion of central and eastern Ontario. The sheer number of communities affected underscores the widespread nature of this weather event and the potential for significant disruption. Areas included in the warning are:
- Barrie-Collingwood-Hillsdale
- Caledon
- Cobourg - Colborne - Western Northumberland County
- Innisfil - New Tecumseth – Angus
- Lindsay - Southern Kawartha Lakes
- Newmarket - Georgina - Northern York Region
- Orangeville - Grand Valley - Southern Dufferin County
- Orillia - Lagoon City – Washago
- Peterborough City - Lakefield - Southern Peterborough County
- Pickering - Oshawa - Southern Durham Region
- Shelburne - Mansfield - Northern Dufferin County
- Uxbridge - Beaverton - Northern Durham Region
- Vaughan - Richmond Hill – Markham
This is a significant weather event that will likely impact commuters and residents across the region, emphasizing the need for preparedness and caution. A special weather statement is also in effect for the Bancroft - Hastings Highlands – Denbigh area, with the possibility of freezing rain and freezing drizzle extending into Tuesday morning.
School Closures and Impacts on Commuting
Given the severity of the weather, it is highly likely that many school boards in the affected regions will opt to cancel bus services as a precaution, resulting in an “ice day” for many students. This is particularly true in areas northwest of the GTA, especially at higher elevations, around Lake Simcoe, and in Eastern Ontario. This is mostly due to the fact that freezing rain warnings are issued when rain falling in sub-zero temperatures creates significant ice build-up and icy surfaces. These icy conditions could pose a major risk to the safety of students and bus drivers traveling on icy roads. The potential for disruptions to Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning commutes is also substantial.
There is a substantial chance of cancellations for many school boards in the high-risk zones, as high as 75% to 90% in some areas. However, there’s still a small possibility that some boards may proceed with school, though the confidence level for cancellations remains significantly high. The uncertainty largely stems from the later expected start time of the freezing rain in some locations. The southern portion of the Tri-Board district is the only area with a 90% confidence level for cancellations due to their historically proactive approach to winter weather warnings.
Further north in regions such as Muskoka, Haliburton, and the Ottawa Valley, the messy weather might not arrive until later in the day. The absence of freezing rain warnings from Environment Canada in these areas lowers the probability of bus cancellations. Probabilities for cancellations in these areas range from 25% to 50%, with only a 10% chance in the City of Ottawa. This lower chance is consistent with Ottawa’s historical response to weather events, typically requiring more severe conditions to trigger widespread cancellations in the city. Southwestern Ontario and the GTA are anticipated to experience primarily rain with minimal freezing rain, rendering bus cancellations highly unlikely.
Preparing for the Storm and Staying Informed
Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and monitor Environment Canada alerts and forecasts for the latest updates. The situation is dynamic, and further warnings or advisories may be issued as the event unfolds. With several centimeters of snow expected to precede the freezing rain, particularly in cottage country and eastern Ontario, road conditions are anticipated to be exceptionally treacherous. The potential for significant ice accumulation, up to four millimeters in some areas, adds to the risks of travel. It is crucial to take the necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
Another system is expected to bring widespread rain across southern Ontario on Tuesday night. There’s also potential for snow in areas west of the storm track as a cold front approaches. A strong cold front is then predicted for Wednesday, with a quick blast of Arctic air resulting in colder-than-seasonal temperatures and potential for lake-effect snow by Wednesday night. However, the outlook changes towards much milder weather by the weekend, with this warmer trend set to continue into mid-December. The potential for a colder pattern towards the end of December and start of January will be closely monitored.
Driving conditions are expected to be challenging throughout this period; commuters should anticipate the potential for significant delays. Staying informed about the weather situation is key, and residents are advised to heed all official warnings and advisories. Remember, safety should always be the top priority during severe weather events.
A Glimpse into the Future: Milder Weather on the Horizon
While the immediate forecast presents a significant challenge, the long-range outlook suggests a shift towards milder conditions. This potential change offers a welcome respite after the harsh winter weather, but residents should not underestimate the impact of the current freezing rain event. Remember to stay informed and prepared. The current forecast does not include any predictions of significant snowfall for this week. Stay tuned for further updates and be safe!
