London to greet December with freezing rain: Environment Canada

The city will be welcoming December with freezing rain.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for much of southwestern Ontario at 4:48 a.m. Saturday warning residents to expect freezing rain late into Sunday.

The statement says a strengthening low pressure system is expected to “bring a messy mix of weather to the area beginning late tonight or early Sunday morning.”

Environment Canada severe weather meteorologist Mitch Meredith tells 980 CFPL Londoners should expect around six hours of freezing rain.

“It will continue into the noon hour, and then we’ll probably see some drizzles.”

Areas north of London could see even more hours of freezing rain or ice pellets.

But Meredith says the icy weather won’t last long.

“The one good is that this is just a Sunday event. We’re not expecting too much precipitation on Monday, although it will be a bit chilly.”

Residents should also prepare for strong wind gusts of up to 70 km/h.

According to Meredith, five millimeters of ice could form on trees and power lines by Sunday evening.

“This can be a concern, especially with windy conditions… it can cause power outages.”

In preparation for freezing rain, Meredith is advising motorists to be extra careful on the roads, and avoid travelling if possible.

Meredith tells 980 CFPL a freezing rain warning might be issued Sunday.

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