Freezing Rain and Strong Winds Hit Southern Ontario: Environment Canada Alerts
Freezing Rain, Wind Alerts for Southern Ontario

Residents across southern Ontario are being urged to prepare for another bout of hazardous winter weather. Environment Canada has issued a series of alerts warning of freezing rain and powerful winds set to sweep through the region.

Multiple Advisories in Effect

The national weather agency confirmed that the messy weather pattern is not yet finished. A combination of precipitation and gusty conditions is expected to create difficult travel and potential safety concerns. The alerts, issued on December 28, 2025, cover a wide swath of southern Ontario, indicating a significant weather event.

Forecasters are predicting a rain-soaked Sunday followed by a particularly gusty Monday. This sequence could lead to slippery roads from freezing rain and localized damage or power outages from the strong winds. The specific blend of warnings can vary by area, with some regions facing higher risks than others.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

The primary hazards identified by Environment Canada include:

  • Freezing Rain: This can create a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on roads, sidewalks, and power lines, making travel extremely dangerous.
  • Strong Winds: Gusts could lead to blowing debris, difficulty driving high-profile vehicles, and the possibility of tree branches breaking.

The agency advises the public to monitor updated forecasts and warnings closely. Travel plans may need to be adjusted, and people should consider postponing non-essential trips until conditions improve. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots may become icy and slippery.

Staying Safe During the Storm

With the alerts in effect, taking precautions is essential. Here are key safety steps recommended during such winter weather events:

  1. If you must travel, reduce your speed and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
  2. Be prepared for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
  3. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
  4. Be aware of potential power outages and have an emergency kit ready at home.

This system is part of an active winter season across Canada, with other parts of the country, like northern British Columbia and Yukon, also under snowfall warnings. Environment Canada meteorologists will continue to update the public as the situation develops.