Freezing rain warning issued in Sault Ste. Marie, ice storm also possible

Sudbury, North Bay and the Sault can expect freezing rain and a major snowstorm this weekend, Environment Canada warns.

Freezing rain is expected to begin in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday afternoon, with accumulations of 5-15 mm.

Environment Canada said it could either turn into a snow event or an ice storm overnight Friday and into Saturday.

Residents should be prepared for icy and slippery conditions, with utility outages and tree damage possible beginning late Friday afternoon or evening and ending early Saturday morning.

It should begin as snow but then turn to ice pellets.

“The threat of several hours of freezing rain tonight is possible, particularly for Manitoulin Island and areas near the North Channel,” the warning said.

Significant ice storm

“One potential complication is how much of the precipitation falls in the form of ice pellets versus freezing rain. If most of the precipitation falls in the form of freezing rain, this has the potential to be a significant ice storm for the region.”

Easterly winds are expected to gust up to 50 km/h and could exacerbate the situation if there is ice buildup on tree limbs and power lines.

“After a brief break during the day Saturday, another winter storm will likely affect the region on Sunday with a threat of significant snowfall, freezing rain and ice pellets,” the warning said.

“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break. Utility outages may occur.”

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