Freezing rain, ice and winds ahead
Utilities company warns of risk for ‘widespread’ blackouts this weekend
Freezing rain is expected for several hours early Saturday before turning to ice pellets. Though the precipitation will simmer down overnight, it is expected to pick up again early Sunday.
There may be heavy freezing rain at times Sunday that could later turn to rain. While Environment Canada says it is unclear exactly how much ice Toronto will get this weekend, some areas between Sarnia and Kingston might get up to 20 mm of freezing rain.
Coupled with winds reaching up to 60 km/h, there is a potential for widespread power outages from downed trees or power lines. Environment Canada warns to expect winter driving conditions on untreated roads.
As if this isn’t bad enough, the agency is also warning of the threat of flooding in some areas on Sunday. The rain will taper off on Monday.
The weekend might also be marked by blackouts as power lines are knocked out by the storm.
“Customers should be prepared for the possibility of widespread power outages this weekend as the threat of a significant ice storm approaches,” Alectra, formerly Horizon Utilities, posted to Twitter on Friday.
Both Alectra and Hydro One recommend customers prepare an emergency kit with enough food, medical supplies and light sources to last 72 hours. Hydro One also said it will have repair crews ready to respond at any hour of the day, and that it has “additional resources” prepared for the weekend.
Porter Airlines has issued a general travel advisory in light of the weather, while Air Canada has issued specific travel alerts for passengers flying to or from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, London and Kingston over the weekend.
Saturday will see a high of 1 C, and Sunday a high of 2 C. Overnight Saturday will have a low of -3 C. All three days will be rather windy.