Warnings issued for ice and snow, with risk of dangerous travel in Ontario

Most of southern Ontario will see some, if not all, types of wintry precipitation on Thursday.

Freezing rain winter travel advisories and warnings are in effect in part of the region, as a complex storm system brings an icy mix for the day on Wednesday. The type of precipitation will depend on your exact location.

Slippery roads and isolated power outages are possible Late Wednesday and Thursday, especially where freezing rain and ice pellets develop.

Drivers are warned of the potential for hazardous winter road conditions and should adjust their plans accordingly. Surfaces such as roads, streets, sidewalks and parking lots can be difficult to navigate due to accumulated ice and snow. Delaying any non-essential travel until conditions improve may need to be taken into account.

LEARN MORE: Because freezing rain is the “worst” type of precipitation

Wednesday to Thursday

Computer models struggled to decide which air mass would dominate, so the precise placement of the icy ingredients continued to fluctuate. This will be the first freezing rain event of the season in southern Ontario, however, with heavy snowfall for regions to the north.

Conditions will begin to deteriorate Wednesday afternoon and evening off Lake Huron, with freezing rain and drizzle forecast. About 5 mm of ice accretion may accumulate on trees, power lines and other surfaces near the 6 and 10 Freeways, with the risk of isolated power outages in the affected areas.