Region told to brace for “potentially historic” ice storm
Posted Apr 14, 2018 07:09:39 AM.
Last Updated Apr 15, 2018 07:35:58 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Environment Canada is warning of a “potentially historic” ice storm this weekend.
A freezing rain warning was issued for the region, surrounding areas, and the GTA on Friday, ahead of the storm system that could leave most of the southern province covered in a thick glaze of ice by Sunday, forcing school cancellations.
The national weather authority says a low pressure system tracking towards the lower Great Lakes will bring brisk winds and pump in cold Arctic air, causing temperatures to plunge below freezing on Saturday.
Rain will change to freezing rain, which is expected to persist into the evening, and may become mixed with ice pellets before tapering off to patchy freezing drizzle.
On Sunday, Environment Canada is predicting a more significant storm system that will be intensified by winds that can cause damage.
The weather authority says gusts of up to 80 km/h are a threat, and — in combination with the additional ice buildup — could lead to downed power lines and fallen trees.
This has prompted the Grand River Conservation Authority to close all of its parks and trails. GRCA officials say even once the storm passes, these properties may remain closed for several days, as staff survey the damage and clean away debris.
Ice pellets will become freezing rain, and then change to heavy rain with the potential for localized flooding. As a result, the GRCA has also issued a flood watch for the entire watershed.
Due to the severe weather, Wilfrid Laurier University has shut down its Waterloo and Brantford campuses. All exams — including online exams — have been cancelled and are rescheduled for next week.
Conestoga College has also closed its campuses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph, and suspended all scheduled classes and activities.
University of Waterloo campus is closed, and exams have been postponed until next week.
The University of Guelph remained open for most of Saturday, but its campus is closed as of Sunday.
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