Environment Canada (EC) has forecast a messy mix of wintry weather beginning late Wednesday.
It projects rain of 15 to 25 mm through to Thursday evening. It also forecast freezing rain mixed with ice pellets possible on Thursday afternoon and evening. Snow, at times heavy, may fall Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Snowfall accumulations of 4 to 20 cm are possible from south to north Durham.
There will be reduced visibility and blowing snow with icy and slippery surfaces.
Environment Canada said a low pressure system is expected to track northeast across Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Thursday night which could bring a messy mix of wintry precipitation to southern Ontario. “At this time the track of the low pressure system is uncertain, and as such precipitation type, timing and amounts may change.
Risk around bodies of water
Town of Whitby issued an advisory on significant rain. “Make sure storm drains and downspouts are clear of ice + snow so that water can drain.”
The Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority (LSRCA) has issued a Flood Outlook statement for low-lying areas that is in effect through Friday, February 18. Forecasted warm weather and rain will melt snow and may break up ice. While widespread flooding is not expected, the possibility for flooding in various low-lying areas of the watershed exists. Ice jams may be possible in some of the watercourses.
Watercourses will be flowing higher than normal causing local streams and rivers to become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. Children should be warned to stay away from all watercourses, said an Uxbridge advisory.