Environment Canada has issued a Freezing Rain Warning in effect for Durham Region, and is advising resident to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
In an advisory issued at 9:12 pm yesterday, Environment Canada warned of possible significant ice accretion of 5 to 10 mm.
Power outages are likely. There may be icy and slippery roads and sidewalks. Significant precipitation possible which may lead to localized flooding, it said.
Freezing rain of Friday night may change over to rain on Saturday as temperatures fluctuate around the freezing mark. Areas that change over to rain will see less ice accretion. Freezing rain will persist longer over higher terrain where temperatures will stay slightly cooler. Freezing rain is expected to end for all areas by midday Sunday, it added.
“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve,” said the warning.
It pointed out that Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For information on emergency plans and kits go to getprepared.gc.ca.
Hazardous Creek Conditions
The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (Cloca) advised that the surface water monitoring centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources tracked a low-pressure system that moved into the Cloca watershed and is expected to last through Sunday.
According to the Cloca, the system is expected to bring three-day precipitation, with totals ranging from 20–60 mm. Streamflows have been declining over the past week and are near seasonal levels. However, the combined precipitation, frozen ground conditions, and any associated remaining snowmelt will result in runoff causing water levels and flows in our streams to rise. Flooding is not anticipated; however, water and flooding of areas and roadways may be expected in areas at risk.
Cloca is asking all residents to stay away from watercourses, shorelines, and structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams as wave activity, water levels, water, and conditions along stream banks and Lake Ontario shorelines continue to make these locations hazardous.
This Flood Outlook Statement will be in effect through Monday, March 31, or until further notice.
Significant Weather Event: Ajax
The Town of Ajax has declared a significant weather event following a weather alert issued by Environment Canada, citing freezing rain conditions. Authorities advised residents to use extra caution as the freezing rain may impact road and sidewalk conditions, and winter maintenance service levels may not be met.
According to the town, “a significant weather event is defined as an approaching or occurring weather hazard with the potential to pose a significant danger to the users of highways (streets) within a municipality.” Environment Canada issues alerts under its Public Weather Alerting Program when hazardous weather is expected. Provincial legislation, updated in 2018, allows municipalities to declare such events.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed of changing conditions. For more details on the Town’s winter response, visit ajax.ca/snow.
Brock Waste Management Facility Closure
The Regional Municipality of Durham advises residents that due to inclement weather, the Durham Waste Management Facility in Brock is closed for the day.
For alternate locations and hours of operation, visit durham.ca/WMF.
You May Also Wish To Read
Watch fleeing suspect car hit, drag officer ‘several metres’