There’s a lengthy spell of freezing rain in the forecast for London and the surrounding area, according to a warning from Environment Canada.
The weather agency is expecting a prolonged period of freezing precipitation that’ll start Tuesday night and continue throughout much of Wednesday.
Environment Canada meteorologist Ryan Rozinski says an unusual temperature change will bring a high of zero later in the afternoon and evening, turning freezing rain to straight rain. Temperatures will hover around the freezing mark overnight, with a low of 1 C.
Road conditions Wednesday morning could be dicey. Untreated surfaces across the region will be icy and slippery, and driver are encouraged to drive according to those conditions.
Environment Canada says ice build up may also cause tree branches to break and fall.
All the precipitation has prompted a public reminder from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) about rising levels in lakes, streams, and rivers.
“Stay off of any water bodies,” said spokesperson Eleanor Heagy. “If there’s any ice still, it’s going to be really weakened with all the warmth that we’ve had.”
Despite two to 10 mm of rain over the weekend and more in the forecast in coming days, the UTRCA doesn’t expect significant flooding, although there may be some river and stream spill over in low lying areas.
Officials measured 20-40 mm of water in the existing snow pack last week, which is below normal for this time of year. They say most of the snow cover will disappear Tuesday.
The UTRCA says its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation areas are being used to reduce downstream flooding.
Periods of rain will continue on Thursday, as temperatures hit 5 C before tapering back down to below freezing daytime highs.
While the Upper Thames River, Lower Thames River, Ausable Bayfield, and St. Clair conservation authorities have issued water safety bulletins, both the Kettle Creek and Catfish Creek conservation authorities issued flood warnings Tuesday afternoon.
The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) says flooding has been observed in some low-lying areas and officials are monitoring an ice jam north of Port Stanley. The KCCA says ice jams “may cause water levels to change quickly and unexpectedly.”
The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) says its warning is for low lying areas within the watershed, noting that creek levels are high and are expected to keep rising.