Freezing rain, rain and strong winds are expected Saturday into Sunday in Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia, Midland, Hillsdale, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Lagoon City and Washago, Environment Canada says.
According to the federal weather agency, light rain or drizzle is expected to develop Friday afternoon and become heavy early Saturday morning.
Temperatures are expected to drop below the freezing mark on Saturday, changing the rain into freezing rain. Several hours of freezing rain may occur until temperatures climb to above freezing again on Sunday.
Environment Canada says this scenario is expected to result in significant ice accretion in these regions.
Strong southwest winds gusting up to 70 kilometres per hour are also expected Sunday morning, with the strongest gusts occurring along the shores of Lake Huron. Strong winds coupled with ice buildup on tree branches and power lines could cause power outages in the hardest-hit areas.
The federal weather agency says rainfall amounts may reach up to 25 millimetres, although it’s not entirely clear at this time.
Travel will be impacted throughout southern Ontario on Saturday and into Sunday.