Tara Jeffrey
A freezing rain warning remains in effect as residents are being advised to prepare for slick and potentially hazardous conditions as an expected ice storm approaches, Wednesday.Environment Canada's alert for parts of southwestern Ontario, including Sarnia-Lambton, points to a prolonged freezing rain event that will lead to significant ice build up in some areas. Ice accretion of 10 to 20 millimetres is possible, with northeasterly winds gusting 50 to 70 km/h, the agency noted.
"Light snow will become heavy at times and mix with ice pellets early [Wednesday] afternoon," Environment Canada stated. "Snow and ice pellets will change over to freezing rain late this afternoon. "Freezing rain will continue tonight before tapering off early Thursday morning to patchy freezing drizzle. Gusty northeasterly winds will diminish early Thursday morning."Extensive utility outages and tree damage are likely due to the combination of ice accretion and moderate winds."
Another light wintry mix of precipitation is possible Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening."Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and extremely hazardous," Environment Canada added. "Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance.
"There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. Beware of branches or electrical wires that could break under the weight of ice."
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 http://www.getprepared.gc.ca
For tips on what to do during an outage, visit: https://bluewaterpower.com/power-outages/what-to-do-during-an-outage/