A messy mix of winter precipitation is heading towards Southern Ontario.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region, indicating heavy rain can be expected Wednesday afternoon, followed by a period of freezing rain, with snow on Thursday into Friday.
The weather statement covers an area which includes Simcoe, Grey and Dufferin Counties, and Muskoka.
Environment Canada says a low pressure system is expected to track northeast across Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Thursday night. Precipitation will likely begin as rain Wednesday afternoon and transition to snow Wednesday overnight. As temperatures drop below the freezing mark Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, icy and slippery conditions are possible, as water on roadways and surfaces will freeze.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the track of the low pressure system was uncertain, and as such precipitation type, timing and amounts may change.
Hazards include:
- Rain, 10 to 25 mm, Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday overnight.
- Snow, at times heavy, Wednesday overnight through Friday morning. Snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm possible.
- Risk of freezing rain Wednesday overnight through Thursday afternoon.
- Reduced visibility in snow and blowing snow.
- Icy and slippery surfaces.
For the latest weather forecast and warnings from Environment Canada, please click here.
Special weather statement for Ontario South – Messy mix of wintry weather beginning this evening through Friday morning. Rain 10-25 mm, freezing rain mixed with ice pellets Thursday morning /afternoon. Snow/Blowing snow Thursday evening /Friday morning with of 4-8 cm. #ONStorm pic.twitter.com/7BctBJA73o
— 511Ontario (@511Ontario) February 16, 2022