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Severe weather alerts issued
This weekend, large areas of Ontario and Quebec are bracing for a significant winter weather event, as Environment Canada has issued multiple warnings for freezing rain and heavy rainfall. The coldest conditions are expected near the Ontario-Manitoba border, where residents may experience dangerous ice buildup.
This weather pattern is a result of rapidly changing temperatures, which can lead to treacherous conditions on roads and sidewalks.
Freezing rain and ice buildup
In particular, the region between Hudson’s Bay and Lake Superior, west of Thunder Bay and east of Winnipeg, is under a freezing rain warning.
Environment Canada predicts that several millimeters of ice could accumulate, creating hazardous travel conditions. The agency emphasizes that the combination of freezing rain, snowmelt, and fluctuating temperatures will likely result in dangerously slippery surfaces. Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on local weather reports.
Impact on southern Ontario
Southern Ontario is also facing its own set of challenges with a special weather statement in effect for “significant rainfall.” In Toronto, strong winds reaching up to 80 km/h are expected alongside rainfall amounts of up to 20 mm.
The city’s frozen ground may hinder water absorption, increasing the risk of flooding in some areas. Thunderstorms could also be part of the mix, adding to the unpredictability of the weather this weekend. As the storm approaches, residents are encouraged to prepare for potential power outages and travel disruptions.
