As communities across the Kawarthas region continue to struggle with the aftermath of the weekend’s ice storm, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the entire region for more freezing rain beginning Wednesday (April 2), followed by significant rainfall until early Thursday morning.
The special weather statement is in effect for Peterborough County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
The potential for freezing rain begins east of Lake Huron Wednesday morning before reaching eastern Ontario later Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening.
Ice accretion of 2 to 5 mm is expected. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy, slippery and hazardous. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break.
Precipitation may begin as snow and ice pellets, especially over central and eastern Ontario. Southeasterly winds gusting to near 50 km/h on Wednesday may exacerbate any tree damage.
As temperatures rise above the freezing mark, freezing rain will transition to rain, at times heavy, over southwestern Ontario through Wednesday afternoon and across central and eastern Ontario Wednesday night.
Total rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm are expected, with locally higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
For locations along the Ottawa River, freezing rain may persist into early Thursday morning. Freezing rain warnings will likely be required as the event draws nearer.
In addition to the special weather statement for freezing rain, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the entire region for northwesterly winds gusting to 50 km/h early Monday evening. Strong wind gusts may result in additional damage to trees and power lines.
