A winter storm is expected to move into southern Ontario on Friday, Boxing Day, bringing the potential for significant snowfall, freezing rain, and hazardous travel conditions across much of the region.
According to Environment Canada, a developing low-pressure system is forecast to impact the province on Friday, which could disrupt holiday travel plans. Depending on location, residents may experience snow, freezing rain, or a mix of winter precipitation.
In parts of southwestern Ontario, including the Hamilton and Niagara regions, freezing rain is expected to begin Friday morning and continue into the evening. Environment Canada warns that precipitation could alternate between freezing rain, ice pellets, snow, or rain, with 5 to 10 millimetres of ice accumulation possible in areas most affected by the freezing rain band.
Officials caution that icy road conditions, fallen tree branches, and potential power outages may occur. This updated forecast marks a change from earlier outlooks, which had suggested minimal ice accumulation for these areas.
Further north, stretching from the Bruce Peninsula through the Greater Toronto Area, snowfall is now expected to begin Friday afternoon and continue into the night. Accumulations of 5 to 15 centimetres are possible, with snow remaining the dominant precipitation type. While there is a slight chance of freezing rain in the afternoon or evening, any ice buildup in these areas is expected to be minimal.
In central Ontario, snow is forecast to continue overnight into early Saturday morning, with similar accumulation totals possible.
Environment Canada notes that there remains some uncertainty regarding the storm’s exact track and timing, which could affect precipitation types and total snowfall or ice accumulation. Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts and prepare for rapidly changing winter conditions.
Photo Credits : Insauga
