Freezing rain warning as ice storm continues

A freezing rain warning remains in effect for Stratford, Mitchell, Southern Perth County, Goderich, Bluewater, Southern Huron County, Listowel, Milverton, Northern Perth County, Wingham, Blyth, and Northern Huron County. Environment Canada says a major ice storm will continue today with the low pressure system originating from Texas located just south of Lake Erie this morning. This system has brought substantial moisture into Southern Ontario. Meanwhile, a slightly colder northerly flow has established north of this low pressure system. As a result, a major freezing rain storm will continue today for portions of Southern and Eastern Ontario. Additional freezing rainfall amounts on the order of 10 to 15 mm are possible today. Wind increasing this morning will gust 30 to 50 kilometres per hour and may also cause damage to structures and trees due to the weight of ice accumulation. For areas south of a line from Sarnia to Oxford – Brant, freezing rain is expected to change to rain this morning. For areas from Southern Lake Huron through the Greater Toronto area including Hamilton and Niagara, freezing rain will persist this morning then change to rain or drizzle early this afternoon. For areas from Kincardine to Lake Simcoe and Muskoka then east to Kingston, freezing rain could last into this afternoon. For areas from Brockville to Cornwall, before freezing rain starts this afternoon, ice pellets will persist this morning. Freezing rain is expected to continue into early this evening. As a result, significant ice accumulation on trees and power lines is creating widespread power outages and downed trees or tree limbs. More than 135,000 customers are without power as of early this morning. Driving conditions on untreated roads are very hazardous as well. Motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution and adjust travel plans accordingly.