Waterloo region and Guelph are currently under two yellow weather alerts issued by Environment Canada. The alerts warn of freezing rain transitioning into heavy rainfall on Sunday, along with a special weather statement predicting strong winds on Monday.
Forecasters anticipate the onset of freezing rain by midday Sunday, potentially resulting in ice accumulation ranging from five to 15 millimeters. As temperatures increase later in the day, heavy rainfall is expected to follow. This could bring about 20 to 40 millimeters of combined rain and freezing rain by Monday morning.
Given the frozen ground’s limited capacity to absorb the anticipated rainfall, localized flooding is a concern. Environment Canada has cautioned residents, advising them to avoid low-lying areas and steer clear of rivers, creeks, and culverts as some roads may become impassable. The agency also highlighted the risk of power outages and property/tree damage due to the ice’s weight on trees.
A rapid temperature drop from 5°C on Sunday night to -5°C on Monday morning has prompted a special weather statement for strong winds throughout Monday. Environment Canada has emphasized that areas affected by ice accretion from freezing rain will be particularly susceptible to the impact of the strong winds.
These weather alerts follow closely on the heels of a recent Boxing Day storm that brought a mix of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain to the region on Friday.