Potential 24-hour freezing rain event forecast for parts of Ontario
An ice storm is set to impact parts of Ontario, posing a risk of tree damage and extended power outages.
Ontario braces for varied precipitation starting Tuesday evening, lasting into Thursday morning. An ice storm is likely Wednesday for much of the region, though southern areas, including 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, 20-40+ mm of rain over frozen ground may lead to localized flooding concerns.
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Ice storm risk increases Wednesday
A moisture-laden system from the southern U.S. will reach Ontario Tuesday evening, initiating a 24+ hour weather event. Snow, ice, and rain will move into central and southern Ontario, intensifying overnight and advancing from west to east into early Wednesday morning.
Communities southeast of Lake Superior are forecast to see heavy snow, while areas east of Georgian Bay toward the Ottawa Valley face prolonged freezing rain and ice pellets. Southern Ontario can expect periods of heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms Wednesday morning.
An initial wave of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain will persist through Wednesday morning. Precipitation may weaken or pause by midday before 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 system will move out Thursday, bringing colder air southward across cottage country and southern Ontario, with a transition to scattered flurries in southern areas.
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.
Winter refuses to budge
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.