Ice build-up of 10 to 20 mm likely for Toronto this weekend

Get ready for a messy weekend in Toronto.

According to Environment Canada, significant ice build-up due to freezing rain is expected for this weekend.

Environment Canada also said an ice storm is likely for this weekend.

“This weekend, a moisture laden low pressure area over the Central Plains States will amble slowly towards the lower Great Lakes this weekend,” reads a weather warning from Environment Canada.

“As the low gets closer, we can expect brisk northeasterly winds will pump in cold arctic air, forcing temperatures to fall to near or below the zero degree mark on Saturday.”

The rain that’s associated with this low will turn to freezing rain on Saturday morning and will likely last for a number of hours into the evening.

Environment Canada says this freezing rain may become mixed with or turn to ice pellets at times, with some areas receiving a few centimetres of the ice pellet mess.

“However, as the low gets close to Southern Ontario Saturday night, freezing rain is expected to move back in, and may persist well into Sunday before changing over to rain,” states the weather warning.

Environment Canada

By Sunday, ice build-up of 10 to 20 mm is likely across the region. However, ice build-up may be considerably less in areas closer to Lake Ontario as temperatures there may actually remain very close to the freezing mark.

Areas inland from Lake Ontario may see more than 20 mm of freezing rain on Sunday, which would result in higher amounts of ice accretion, especially if temperatures hover a few degrees below zero.

Environment Canada stressed that ice accumulations of this magnitude combined with gusty northeast winds of up to 60 km/hr may result in widespread power outages due to fallen tree limbs and power lines.

Dangerous winter driving conditions are expected on untreated roads Saturday and Sunday.

The City has also issued a release regarding the weather warning and reminded the public that ice storms and heavy rain may create hazardous conditions and cause power disruptions.

If you do decide to leave your home this weekend, make sure to be cautious and beware of branches or electrical wires that could break under the weight of ice.

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