Ice storm to hit parts of Ontario with up to 24 hours of freezing rain
A disruptive ice storm is forecast to hit parts of central and eastern Ontario through Wednesday, likely to lead to long-duration power outages, hazardous travel and tree damage in some areas
A significant ice storm is likely Wednesday for much of eastern Ontario and some central locales, though southern areas, including portions of the 401 corridor in eastern Ontario, will mainly see heavy rain.
Significant ice accretion is expected in the Ottawa and Montreal areas, increasing the risk of tree damage and power outages. Additionally, 15-30+mm of rain over frozen ground may lead to localized flooding concerns.
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Ice storm likely on Wednesday
A long region of freezing rain will extend across eastern Ontario very early Wednesday morning, then lasting though the day.
Orange-coded freezing rain warnings are in effect in eastern Ontario, including Ottawa. The alert warns of up to 24 hours of freezing rain for some areas and ice accretion of 10 to 20 mm.
To the north, heavy snow is expected for communities southeast of Lake Superior, with 10-25 cm forecast. The heaviest will occur along the Ontario-Quebec border.
An initial wave of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain will persist through Wednesday morning, possibly easing slightly near lunchtime into the early afternoon.
A second, more intense round arrives Wednesday evening, continuing into the overnight hours. Northeastern regions, including Timmins, are set to see heavier snowfall during this time.
The second wave will arrive with slightly milder air, so some areas could switch from freezing rain to rain.
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The system departs east on Thursday as colder air sweeps south across cottage country towards Ottawa, potentially delaying cleanup and power restoration.
The storm is expected to bring 10-20+ cm of snow to areas east of Lake Superior and south toward North Bay, including Timmins and Sudbury.
Freezing rain amounts of 5-15 mm are forecast east of Georgian Bay, with 10-30 mm likely in far eastern Ontario, including the Ottawa Valley. Some areas in eastern Ontario could see up to 24 hours of freezing rain.
Not all freezing rain will accrete on surfaces, as factors like wind, precipitation intensity, and surface types influence ice buildup. However, significant ice accumulation is likely, increasing the risk of tree damage and widespread power outages.
In some cases, precipitation may not freeze on contact, increasing the risk of localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Drivers should expect slippery, untreated roads, and those travelling through Ottawa should prepare for potential flight delays or cancellations.
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A clipper system moving through the region Friday is expected to bring wet snow and mixed precipitation, with 5-15 cm of fresh snow accumulating over the recently fallen ice and snow. Another system may quickly follow Sunday into Monday, bringing multiple precipitation types.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across Ontario.