Hey Toronto, if you’ve got plans this weekend, you might want to think twice before heading out. We’re looking at a freezing rain warning starting late Saturday night and lasting through Sunday morning. It’s going to get icy out there, and you’ll need to be extra cautious if you plan on traveling or even just stepping outside. Here’s everything you need to know.
What’s Happening: Freezing Rain on the Way
So, here’s the deal: as temperatures drop late Saturday, the rain we’re expecting is going to freeze on contact, creating slick, icy conditions. This isn’t just your typical winter storm; freezing rain is serious stuff. The ice that forms will coat everything it touches—roads, sidewalks, trees, and even power lines. By the time you wake up on Sunday, Toronto could be covered in a dangerous layer of ice.
This won’t just be a quick flash of freezing rain either—it’ll last for a few hours, starting Saturday night and sticking around through Sunday morning. Ice on the roads will make driving hazardous, and walking could be risky too. So if you’ve got to go somewhere, you’ll want to plan ahead and stay safe.
Who’s Affected: Toronto and Surrounding Areas
This isn’t just a Toronto problem—it’s hitting all surrounding areas as well. York Region, Peel Region, Durham Region, and beyond will all experience this freezing rain, so if you’re in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), you’re in the danger zone. The timing will be similar across the region, with the worst conditions likely to hit Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
So wherever you are in the city or nearby suburbs, you should be prepared for icy conditions. While the freezing rain will ease up later in the day on Sunday, those icy spots are going to hang around for a while, so keep your guard up.
What You Need to Know:
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It’s Going to Get Icy: The rain will turn into freezing rain as temperatures dip late Saturday night. By Sunday morning, roads and sidewalks will be covered in ice, which will make getting around dangerous. The freezing rain could last until Sunday afternoon, but those icy spots could persist through much of the day.
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Travel Will Be Risky: Whether you’re driving or walking, conditions will be treacherous. If you can stay home, do it! If you have to go somewhere, slow down on the roads and be extra careful, especially when approaching intersections or bridges where ice forms quickly. If you’re on foot, take small steps and be mindful of slippery sidewalks.
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Power Outages Could Happen: Ice can weigh down tree branches and power lines, leading to power outages. Keep your phone charged and have flashlights, blankets, and a few snacks on hand just in case you lose power.
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Timing: Freezing rain will begin late Saturday night and continue through Sunday morning. By the afternoon, things should be improving, but icy patches could still make for some tricky travel. Don’t rush out until you’re sure the conditions are safer.
How to Stay Safe:
1. Stay Inside If You Can: If you don’t need to go out, just stay home and relax. It’s the safest place to be during a freezing rain warning.
2. Drive Carefully: If you absolutely have to drive, make sure your car is winter-ready—check your tires, make sure you have windshield fluid, and pack an emergency kit. Drive slowly, leave lots of space between you and other cars, and avoid hard braking or sudden turns. Intersections and bridges are especially dangerous, so proceed with caution.
3. Walk Carefully: If you need to be on foot, wear shoes with good grip, take small steps, and walk slower than usual. You don’t want to risk slipping and falling. If you have salt or sand, sprinkle it on your walkway to help prevent ice from forming.
4. Be Ready for Power Outages: Ice accumulation on power lines and trees could lead to outages. Charge your phone ahead of time, and keep extra batteries, flashlights, and blankets nearby. It’s always a good idea to be prepared in case the power goes out.
5. Keep an Eye on the Weather: Conditions can change quickly, so stay updated on the forecast throughout the weekend. The freezing rain may ease up, but the ice could linger. Make sure you’re informed before heading out.
Why You Shouldn’t Take This Lightly
Freezing rain can be deceptively dangerous. Even a small amount of ice can make a huge difference when it comes to road conditions and walking. A thin layer of ice can make the roads and sidewalks dangerously slippery. So, even if the forecast doesn’t seem like a big deal, it’s always best to take freezing rain seriously and plan accordingly.
Also, let’s not forget about power outages. When ice builds up on tree branches and power lines, it can cause them to snap, leaving you in the dark for hours. So, it’s always worth preparing for the worst, even if things don’t get as bad as expected.
Get Ready for an Icy Sunday
The freezing rain this weekend is no joke, but as long as you’re prepared and stay cautious, you should be able to get through it safely. If you can, stay inside and avoid travel. If you do need to go out, make sure you’re taking all the necessary precautions—slow down, stay safe, and watch out for those slick spots.
