Freezing rain is still falling in the Waterloo region, Guelph, and Wellington County, affecting the afternoon commute on Wednesday.
Earlier today, school buses were canceled while schools remained open.
A yellow-level weather warning was issued Wednesday afternoon for freezing drizzle, which is expected to “linger” into the evening. This yellow warning replaced an earlier orange-level warning for freezing rain.
The weather alert indicated that freezing drizzle might continue overnight.
“Roads, walkways, and other surfaces will likely become icy and slippery. There is risk of injury due to slips and falls,” the warning noted.
In Toronto, east of the area, a winter storm yellow-level warning is in effect. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported more than 160 weather-related accidents during the morning and early afternoon hours.
“It will be a messy day,” OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt cautioned people in a video on X, formerly Twitter. “Keep your eyes up, hands on the wheel, eyes on the road; keep your mind focused on driving so we can all get through this day safely.”
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Some tree branches had fallen onto a path in Kitchener’s Victoria Park on Wednesday afternoon. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)
“It looks like this next system isn’t as organized as what we’re dealing with right now but forecasters will definitely monitor it closely,” he noted.
LISTEN | Environment Canada’s Geoff Coulson explains Wednesday’s orange weather warning: The Morning Edition – K-W4:33Environment Canada breaks down the orange level freezing rain warningFreezing rain has caused several millimeters of ice accumulation recently which could affect your commute presenting some personal safety risks as well too.
Geoff Coulson gives insight as why today’s conditions fall under an orange warning.
Current snowpack levels remain “higher than normal” throughout affected watersheds meaning although some rainfall may get absorbed there’ll still be melting snow contributing issues too when warm temperatures break up river-ice systems resulting risks like localized floods primarily where historic jams occur causing sudden rises within local waters’ levels leading eventually back towards flooding situations.”
Residents are reminded please take precautionary measures near bodies water including keeping distance off banks/ice covers which might weaken further during warmer temperature ranges.
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School buses canceled
The Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region announced that buses and other school transport were canceled “due to the forecasted freezing rain.” Schools in Waterloo region remained open along with all extended day child care programs; St. Louis online classes; daytime and evening classes; community use programs were also expected to proceed as planned. Francobus services for French-language schools also stated that their buses were canceled in Waterloo region on Wednesday. The Student Transportation Services of Wellington-Dufferin confirmed that all zones had their school buses canceled today. GO Transit warned customers about potential delays for its routes around southwestern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area, advising everyone to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.More weather systems moving in
Geoff Coulson from Environment Canada explained to CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition host Craig Norris that residents should expect “patchy freezing drizzle” into Wednesday evening and possibly overnight. An orange-level warning was issued due to how long this weather event is lasting. “We’re looking at several hours of steady freezing rain with possible significant ice buildup,” he said. Coulson pointed out that notable impacts from ice could result in “power outages or tree branches coming down because of the weight of the ice.” Coulson added that Thursday would likely be a “relatively quiet weather day with temperatures slightly above seasonal values,” but he warned another system is approaching for Friday. “Another weather system potentially bringing more freezing rain is forecasted for Friday before it moves out. Then we head into a weekend with yet another storm system possibly bringing snow on Sunday. So we’re entering quite an active weather pattern,” he mentioned. The temperatures are anticipated to be milder than usual which will influence what type of precipitation occurs here. Coulson stated it’s still too soon to predict if additional warnings will come in upcoming days.“It looks like this next system isn’t as organized as what we’re dealing with right now but forecasters will definitely monitor it closely,” he noted.
LISTEN | Environment Canada’s Geoff Coulson explains Wednesday’s orange weather warning: The Morning Edition – K-W4:33Environment Canada breaks down the orange level freezing rain warningFreezing rain has caused several millimeters of ice accumulation recently which could affect your commute presenting some personal safety risks as well too.
Geoff Coulson gives insight as why today’s conditions fall under an orange warning.
Flooding possible
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) warned last week via watershed statement about flooding risks along with potential ice jams across various locations.Current snowpack levels remain “higher than normal” throughout affected watersheds meaning although some rainfall may get absorbed there’ll still be melting snow contributing issues too when warm temperatures break up river-ice systems resulting risks like localized floods primarily where historic jams occur causing sudden rises within local waters’ levels leading eventually back towards flooding situations.”
Residents are reminded please take precautionary measures near bodies water including keeping distance off banks/ice covers which might weaken further during warmer temperature ranges.
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