Winter Storm System Bringing Freezing Rain, Slippery Roads, and Heavy Snow Across Canada: Drivers Advised to Exercise Caution
Severe winter storms are expected to bring hazardous weather conditions to eastern Canada this week as multiple active weather systems move through the area.
Regions in Ontario, Quebec, and the eastern seaboard may experience freezing rain, strong winds, heavy snow, and a drop in temperatures, as reported by Environment Canada.
A snowfall advisory has been issued for parts of Northwestern Ontario, with snow accumulation potentially reaching 20 centimeters. Environment Canada forecasts peak snowfall rates of two to four centimeters per hour in the Marathon, Nipigon, Wawa, and White River regions.
The heaviest snowfall is expected around Lake Superior on December 9 but will decrease in the evening.
A freezing rain alert has been issued for large areas of central and eastern Ontario, with regions such as the Muskokas, Kawarthas, Peterborough, Belleville, and Kingston expected to have ice build-up of two to four millimeters on surfaces.
Barrie, Orillia, Owen Sound, and surrounding areas may also experience freezing rain on the evening of December 9, leading to dangerous ice build-up.
“The highest ice build-up is expected in areas where temperatures remain below freezing for most of tonight,” stated the weather agency in its weather alert.
“Due to the frozen ground’s reduced ability to absorb the rain, significant water accumulation on roads and inland areas could occur,” warned Environment Canada, highlighting that a temperature drop overnight on December 11 could cause standing water to freeze rapidly.
The agency advises commuters to anticipate challenging travel conditions and delays on December 12.