Environment Canada has issued a weather alert for most of southern Ontario, including Toronto, Halton, Durham, and York regions, ahead of a significant ice storm anticipated to arrive on Friday, March 28.
Meteorologists predict widespread freezing rain with ice accumulation between 5 to 15 millimetres, potentially exceeding 20 millimetres in some areas. The affected regions include North Bay, Powassan, York and Durham, Peterborough, Renfrew, Arnprior, Smiths Falls, Guelph, Halton, Peel, Blue Mountains, Simcoe County, Parry Sound, and Northumberland.
“Confidence is increasing in a widespread, prolonged freezing rain event,” stated Environment Canada, emphasizing the possibility of utility outages, hazardous road conditions, and broken tree branches due to ice accumulation.
Residents are urged to prepare for power outages, difficult travel conditions, and potential disruptions lasting through the weekend into Monday.