Ice, Snow and Heavy Rain to Hit Southern Ontario Wednesday

A mix of snow, freezing rain and heavy rainfall is expected to sweep across much of southern and central Ontario on Wednesday, creating hazardous travel conditions and the potential for power outages and localized flooding.

Precipitation will begin Wednesday morning and continue into the evening, though there remains some uncertainty about exact snowfall totals and freezing rain amounts in several regions.

In the Greater Golden Horseshoe west to the Grey-Bruce region, a prolonged period of snow and freezing rain is forecast. The heaviest snowfall — near 15 centimetres — is possible from Prince Edward County through northern portions of the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Southern areas of the region, including Toronto, could see the longest stretch of freezing rain, with ice build-up of five to 10 millimetres possible. Difficult travel conditions and scattered utility outages may occur.

Further west, from the Huron-Perth region east to Niagara, rain or freezing rain is expected to begin in the morning before transitioning to rain later in the day as temperatures gradually rise above freezing. Officials warn icy roads and walkways are possible early on, along with water pooling and a risk of flash flooding.

Southern parts of southwestern Ontario are forecast to receive 10 to 20 millimetres of rain. Combined with warmer temperatures and melting snow, the rainfall could increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.

In southern parts of eastern and central Ontario, snowfall amounts between five and 15 centimetres are possible, with some freezing rain also possible in the morning. Snow-covered and slippery roads are expected.

Meanwhile, southern portions of northeastern and northwestern Ontario are forecast to see five to 10 centimetres of snow, along with blowing snow that may reduce visibility and make travel hazardous.