A potent spring ice storm is set to impact large portions of Ontario this weekend, with Environment Canada issuing a special weather statement for the Grey Bruce region and other areas. The storm is expected to begin late Friday, March 28, and continue through Monday, March 31, bringing significant ice accretion and hazardous conditions.
According to Environment Canada, the highest confidence for significant ice accumulation lies in central and eastern Ontario, particularly between Parry Sound and Kingston. These areas can anticipate a dangerous mix of freezing rain, snow, and ice pellets, leading to potentially hazardous travel conditions and power outages.
The forecast indicates that general ice accretion amounts could range from 5 to 15 mm, with some areas possibly exceeding 20 mm. In addition, local snowfall and ice pellet accumulations of 5 to 15 cm are expected, particularly in central and northeastern Ontario. The special weather statement was issued for various regions, including Mount Forest, Arthur, Guelph, Erin, and Southern Wellington County.
As the storm approaches, confidence is increasing in a widespread, prolonged freezing rain event. The swath of maximum ice accretion remains uncertain, but the impacts are likely to be felt across a broad area, affecting roadways and utility services. Environment Canada has warned residents to prepare for slippery surfaces and the potential for broken tree branches due to ice build-up.
In the Grey Bruce region, the outlook for Friday shows a chance of showers, with the possibility of thunderstorms. However, as the storm progresses, areas such as the Bruce Peninsula and northern Grey County, including Owen Sound, may experience freezing rain late Friday afternoon.
In Ottawa, the situation will differ as the city is expected to be north of the icy boundary. Residents can expect a snowstorm, with forecasts predicting 10 to 20+ cm of snow beginning Friday evening. The snow is likely to transition into freezing rain on Sunday, creating additional challenges for residents.
Overall, the storm will unfold in two rounds. The first round begins Friday evening, bringing prolonged freezing rain that will last into Saturday. A brief break is expected late Saturday into Saturday night, but a second round of freezing rain and ice pellets is forecast to move in by Sunday morning, lasting into Monday.
In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Hamilton, the storm will start with freezing rain on Friday night, transitioning to rain by Saturday. However, areas north of the GTA, particularly along the escarpment and around Oak Ridges Moraine, are at a higher risk for prolonged freezing rain, with forecasts indicating 5-10 hours of icy weather and 2-5 mm of ice accretion.
As the storm progresses, residents are advised to monitor local weather alerts and highway conditions closely. The potential for localized power outages and treacherous travel conditions highlights the importance of preparedness as this significant weather event approaches.
For those living in eastern Ontario, the first round of this stormy system will start Friday evening, bringing 10-15+ hours of freezing rain. Areas such as cottage country, Algonquin, Bancroft, and Kingston are forecasted to see up to 20-30 mm of ice accretion, which could result in substantial impacts on travel and power.
In northeastern Ontario, a similar fate awaits, with a swath of 10-20+ cm of snow forecast to extend across Lake Superior's north shore and into North Bay. The persistent mix of freezing rain and ice pellets will continue into Sunday and Monday, transitioning to rain for many areas.
As residents prepare for the storm, they are reminded to take precautions, including ensuring that their vehicles are winter-ready and that they have supplies on hand in case of power outages. Environment Canada advises people to stay informed through weather alerts and to report severe weather conditions as they arise.
This weekend's weather event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring weather in Ontario, where contrasting air masses can lead to significant and sometimes hazardous conditions. As the storm approaches, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and stay updated on the latest forecasts and advisories.
