LAST UPDATE: 7:34 PM, March 25 2023
NEXT UPDATE: 8:30 PM, March 25 2023
Discussion
An early spring storm has set its sights on Southern Ontario for this weekend. With this particular storm, we are expecting strong wind gusts across the region, and while most see rain, some will see freezing rain and snow.
Rain will begin to move into Extreme Southwestern Ontario during the early morning hours on Saturday and continue pushing east. The heaviest rainfall amounts are expected through the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe. Flooding and ponding will be possible. Some areas may also see an isolated thunderstorm, which may lead to heavier rainfall amounts.
As the rain pushes east, freezing rain is expected over some areas, including much of Midwestern Ontario, parts of Southwestern Ontario, and the GTA. The freezing rain will transition to rain as the system continues to move east.
Snow will develop on Saturday morning east of the GTA and push eastward throughout the day. There may be times where the snow is mixed with ice pellets, potentially reducing snowfall amounts. The highest snowfall amounts are expected throughout the Ottawa Valley and towards Northern Ontario. Blowing and drifting snow will be possible.
Throughout this storm, strong wind gusts are expected across the region, with the strongest winds expected throughout Southwestern Ontario. Some areas may see wind gusts over 110 km/h by Saturday evening. There is the potential for power outages and structure damage. Now is a good time to secure all loose objects outdoors, as flying debris can be dangerous.
Wind Outlook
As stated, the strongest wind gusts are expected across Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe. Wind gusts are not expected to be as strong throughout Eastern Ontario.
Area Breakdown
110 to 120 km/h: St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls.
100 to 110 km/h: Windsor, Leamington, Chatham, Sarnia, London, St. Thomas, Woodstock, Simcoe, Brantford, Hamilton and Oakville.
90 to 100 km/h: Goderich, Stratford, Kincardine, Hanover, Kitchener, Orangeville, Markham and Toronto.
80 to 90 km/h: Tobermory, Wiarton, Owen Sound, Collingwood, Barrie, Orillia, Newmarket, Oshawa, Cobourg, Belleville and Kingston.
70 to 80 km/h: Parry Sound, Huntsville, Bancroft, Barry's Bay, Brockville, Cornwall and Ottawa.
Freezing Rain Outlook
The heaviest freezing rain is expected across the Bruce Peninsula and Midwestern Ontario. Some areas will see trace amounts of freezing rain, however, the amount of freezing rain will heavily depend on temperature.
Area Breakdown
2 to 6 mm: Tobermory, Wiarton, Owen Sound, Port Elgin, Shelburne, Orangeville, Kitchener, Woodstock and Brantford.
Trace to 2 mm: Kincardine, Hanover, Goderich, Seaforth, Stratford, London, Simcoe, Cayuga, Hamilton, Oakville, Toronto, Markham, Oshawa, Barrie and Collingwood.
Snowfall Outlook
The heaviest snowfall is expected throughout the Ottawa Valley and closer to Northern Ontario, however, some areas of Eastern Ontario may see up to 15 cm of snow as well. Snowfall totals will be lower in Southwestern Ontario where more rain and freezing rain is expected.
Area Breakdown
10 to 15 cm: Parry Sound, Bracebridge, Bancroft, Brockville, Cornwall and Ottawa.
5 to 10 cm: Midland, Barrie, Newmarket, Peterborough, Cobourg, Belleville and Kingston.
Trace to 5 cm: Tobermory, Wiarton, Owen Sound, Kincardine, Goderich, Kitchener, Hamilton, Orangeville, Oakville, Toronto, Markham and Oshawa.
Rainfall Outlook
The heaviest rainfall amounts are expected throughout the Golden Horseshoe and the GTA, however, locally heavier rainfall amounts are expected in areas that receive thunderstorms.
Area Breakdown
20 to 30 mm: Simcoe, Cayuga, Welland, St. Catharines, Brantford, Hamilton, Oakville, Toronto and Oshawa.
10 to 20 mm: Windsor, Leamington, Chatham, Sarnia, London, Goderich, Kitchener, Kincardine, Orangeville, Newmarket, Cobourg, Owen Sound, Tobermory and Wiarton.
5 to 10 mm: Barrie, Peterborough, Belleville, Kingston, Parry Sound, Bracebridge, Bancroft, Brockville, Cornwall and Ottawa.
Closings and Cancellations
No data has been published.
Road Closures
No data has been published.