Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Kawarthas region starting Tuesday night (March 10) for possible significant rainfall in the southern parts of the region, as well as possible significant freezing rain in the northern parts of the region.
The special weather statement for significant rainfall is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County. The special weather statement for significant rainfall and freezing rain is in effect for northern Peterborough County and northern Kawarthas Lakes. The special weather statement for freezing rain is in effect for Haliburton County and Hastings Highlands.
A series of low pressure systems will lead to significant rainfall as well as freezing rain across parts of southern Ontario, with precipitation beginning Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and lasting through Wednesday or Wednesday night.
There remains uncertainty as to the primary form of precipitation in the northern parts of the region, as temperatures will hover near the freezing mark.
As a result, precipitation may transition back and forth from rain and freezing rain across this time period. Precipitation may fall heavily at times, which may lead to localized flooding in low lying areas.
In areas affected by significant rainfall, heavy downpours may cause flash floods and water pooling on roads, with localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. In areas affected by freezing rain, ice build up is likely to cause tree branches to break and widespread utility outages are possible.
In southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County, rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm are expected, with locally higher amounts possible in areas that receive thunderstorms.
In northern Peterborough County and northern Kawarthas Lakes, rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm are expected along with periods of freezing rain, with ice accretion of 2 to 5 mm.
In Haliburton County and Hastings Highlands, there may be a prolonged period of freezing rain — possibly up to 24 hours for some areas — with ice accretion of 10 to 20 mm.
Environment Canada may issue rainfall warnings and freezing rain warnings for some areas as the event draws nearer.
