Mixed Precipitation and Windy Friday

Friday will bring mixed precipitation to the area, beginning as rain for many areas through the morning. Rain will likely mix with ice pellets and freezing rain at times, which may lead to icy conditions on roadways and sidewalks. All areas will see a transition to snow by the late afternoon and evening as temperatures drop.

Eastern Ontario will likely see steadier snow without a transition to another precipitation type, and up to 15 centimetres of snow is likely for areas such as Bancroft, Barry's Bay, Haliburton and Tobermory. The GTA as well as areas south and west are expected to see less than 5 centimetres of snow. Snow will be heavy at times, likely leading to reduced visibility.

In terms of freezing rain, ice accumulations are not expected to be high with this event, with less than 2 millimetres of ice accretion likely. However, this thin layer of ice will make surfaces such as roadways and sidewalks slippery if untreated.

The wind will be another key point through the day Friday, as areas along Lake Erie as well as areas off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay are expected to see wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h. The rest of the region is likely to see wind gusts of 60 to 70 km/h. The strong wind gusts may cause power outages, and will likely reduce visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow.