The Southern Ontario Ice Storm Forecast is warning residents to prepare for a significant storm system expected to move into the region later this week.
Environment Canada says the weather system could bring freezing rain to some parts of Ontario while other areas, including portions of the Greater Toronto Area and Durham Region, could see heavy rainfall.
The system is currently expected to reach southern Ontario on Wednesday.
According to Environment Canada’s significant weather outlook, areas stretching from Kingston through parts of the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, Niagara and Windsor could see intense rainfall during the storm.
Forecasters say rainfall will likely intensify Wednesday morning and continue throughout the day.
Rainfall totals between 30 and 50 millimetres are possible, with locally higher amounts if heavy rain bands or thunderstorms develop over the same areas.
The Southern Ontario Ice Storm Forecast also warns that heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding.
Environment Canada says flash flooding, water pooling on roadways and potential washouts near rivers and creeks are possible in affected communities.
Meanwhile, regions further north are expected to experience freezing precipitation.
The Ottawa area is currently projected to be one of the hardest hit locations for freezing rain.
Forecasters say freezing rain could begin there Wednesday morning and continue through the day.
Ice accumulation of up to 15 millimetres may occur in some areas, though meteorologists say there remains significant uncertainty about exactly where the heaviest freezing rain will fall.
The Southern Ontario Ice Storm Forecast also indicates areas west and south of Ottawa may see smaller amounts of freezing rain.
In those locations, freezing rain could move in overnight Tuesday and continue through Wednesday before possibly transitioning to regular rainfall later in the day.
Ice accumulation in those areas could reach 4 to 8 millimetres, which could still create dangerous conditions.
Environment Canada warns that freezing rain events can lead to icy roads, broken tree branches and possible power outages if ice builds up on power lines.
Drivers are urged to monitor weather updates and prepare for changing road conditions as the storm approaches.
At the same time, parts of northeastern Ontario may experience snowfall instead of rain or freezing rain.
Environment Canada says some areas could see 10 to 20 centimetres of snow, though the exact location and accumulation amounts remain uncertain.
Meteorologists emphasize that the forecast may change as the storm system develops.
Residents across southern Ontario are encouraged to monitor weather alerts and prepare for possible disruptions as the midweek storm approaches.
