Environment Canada has now issued a number of freezing rain warnings and rainfall warnings for the Kawarthas region beginning Sunday afternoon (December 28) and continuing into early Monday morning.
“Yellow” freezing rain and rainfall warnings are in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County. In these areas, ice accretion of 5 to 15 mm is expected, along with rainfall for total rain and freezing rain amounts of 15 to 30 mm.
“Orange” freezing rain warnings are in effect for northern Peterborough County, northern Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands. In these areas, ice accretion of 15 to 20 mm is expected.
Freezing rain will begin Sunday afternoon transitioning to rain Sunday evening. Rain and freezing rain will be heavy at times through the afternoon and evening. The rain will ease early Monday morning.
Roads and walkways may become icy and slippery. Prolonged utility outages are possible, with the likelihood increasing in areas with higher ice accretion. In those areas, significant damage to property, including some buildings and trees, is possible due to the weight of ice.
Travel will likely be hazardous and some routes will likely be impassable. Non-essential travel should be avoided.
In areas with rainfall warnings, the frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall. Rainfall, combined with melting snow, will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Avoid low-lying areas. Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
Environment Canada recently launched new colour-coded alerts for weather advisories, watches, and warnings.
Yellow alerts, which are the most common, indicate hazardous weather that may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are moderate, localized, and/or short-term.
Orange alerts, which are uncommon, indicate severe weather that is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are major, widespread. and/or may last a few days.
Red alerts, which are rare, indicate very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption. Impacts are extensive, widespread, and prolonged.
