Snow to Ice Storms in Weather Forecast
TORONTO – WEATHER – Over the weekend, Environment Canada is predicting the potential for an ice storm. There is also a winter storm with heavy snowfall amounts in the forecast for the eastern side of Lake Superior.
For eastern and southern Ontario starting at Sault Ste. Marie, there are wide-spread weather alerts. Environment Canada has forecast a late winter storm starting on Sunday for the eastern side of Lake Superior.
Special weather statement in effect for:
- Agawa – Lake Superior Park
- Sault Ste. Marie – St. Joseph Island
- Searchmont – Montreal River Harbour – Batchawana Bay
Potential winter storm expected Sunday into Monday. Snow at times heavy will spread into Northeastern Ontario Sunday morning. Significant snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 cm are possible by Monday night. In addition, strong northeasterly winds will produce areas of blowing snow, leading to reduced visibilities.
Further south, into the Toronto region, and here is where this could impact travelers,
Special weather statement in effect for:
- City of Toronto
Potential ice storm for parts of Southern Ontario Saturday into Sunday. Heavy rain potential later Sunday.
Rain ahead of a slow-moving system is expected to change to freezing rain early Saturday morning as colder air moves into the region. The freezing rain may persist for a few hours before changing to ice pellets. Several centimetres of ice pellets are likely during the day.
The latest analysis is suggesting that there will be a lull in the precipitation for much of Saturday night with maybe some patchy freezing drizzle. However, another surge of moisture will move back into the region late overnight or early Sunday morning. A prolonged period of freezing rain is possible Sunday before changing over to rain heavy at times later in the day.
There remains considerable uncertainty with regards to how long the freezing rain will last before changing over to rain on Sunday. However, the potential exists for some locales to see amounts in excess of 20 mm of freezing rain on Sunday.
Ice accumulations of this magnitude combined with gusty northeast winds to 60 km/h may result in widespread power outages due to fallen tree limbs and power lines.
Be Power Outage Ready
The latest weekend weather forecast for the Alectra Utilities’ service area is indicating the possibility of significant freezing rain starting Saturday morning continuing through to Sunday. This weather event may result in lengthy power outages caused by significant ice build-up on electrical equipment, high winds and fallen tree limbs on overhead power lines.
Downed power lines may be energized and are dangerous. If power lines are down, stay at least 10 metres away (the length of a school bus), and call 911 immediately. To report outages, Alectra Utilities’ customers should call:
- Brampton: 1-844-797-7920
- Hamilton: 905-522-6611
- Mississauga: 905-273-7425
- St. Catharines: 905-684-8111
- York Region/Simcoe County: 1-877-963-6900
Alectra Utilities continuously monitors weather forecasts and storm models. Field crews and communications staff will be prepared to respond as the situation evolves.
If you experience a power outage or want Alectra updates, please access our Twitter channel @AlectraNews, download our app or visit the outage map through our website: www.alectrautilities.com
Alectra Utilities reminds all customers of the importance of having an emergency kit in the event of a sustained power outage. It is recommended that emergency kits include: medicine, first aid supplies, flashlights, new batteries, a battery-operated radio, a manual can opener, canned food, bottled water, blankets,food for pets and important telephone numbers for family doctors, schools, daycare and insurance companies.
