Environment Canada is confirming a “major ice storm” in the Kawarthas region for the weekend beginning Friday evening (March 28), with a prolonged period of significant freezing rain for the entire region until Sunday afternoon, and is warning of possible widespread power outages.
A freezing rain warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
The southern part of the region will see the greatest ice accumulation of 10 to 20 mm, with amounts in excess of 25 mm possible.
The northern part of the region will see less ice accumulation — 5 to 15 mm, with amounts in excess of 15 mm possible — but could also see snow and ice pellet accumulations of 5 to 15 cm.
Precipitation will begin Friday evening as rain in the south and as snow or ice pellets in the north, before changing to freezing rain.
The heaviest freezing rain is expected overnight into Saturday morning. In some areas, freezing rain may become lighter for a brief period of time on Saturday or Saturday night.
Freezing rain will change to rain late in the day on Sunday as temperatures rise above the freezing mark.
Along with creating icy and slippery conditions on roads and sidewalks, the ice build-up may cause tree branches to break and result in widespread power outages.
Environment Canada is recommending postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight.
