The city is kicking off December with freezing rain.
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for much of southwestern Ontario at 4:48 a.m. Saturday warning residents to expect freezing rain late into Sunday.
The statement says a strengthening low pressure system is expected to “bring a messy mix of weather to the area beginning late tonight or early Sunday morning.”
Environment Canada severe weather meteorologist Mitch Meredith says London is expecting around six hours of freezing rain.
“Freezing rain [will begin] very early in the morning, possibly as early as 4 or 5 a.m.”
“It will continue into the noon hour, and then we’ll probably see some drizzles.”
Areas north of London could see even more hours of freezing rain or ice pellets.
But Meredith says the icy weather will pass through quickly.
“The one good is that this is just a Sunday event. We’re not expecting too much precipitation on Monday, although it will be a bit chilly.”
Residents should also prepare for strong wind gusts of up to 70 km/h.
According to Meredith, five millimeters of ice could form on trees and power lines by Sunday evening.
“This can be a concern, especially with windy conditions… it can cause power outages.”
In preparation for freezing rain, Meredith is advising drivers to be extra cautious on the roads, and avoid travelling all together if possible.
“Rearranging travel plans to [Sunday] afternoon is better. If [you] must travel in the morning, staying on the major roads is good, because it might get treated first.”
Meredith says a freezing rain warning might be issued Sunday.
