Environment Canada is tracking a "potent spring ice storm" that could hit the Barrie area in two waves this weekend.
"This is actually a double-barrel shot," Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson told Barrie 360. "The first one coming through starting late Friday into the day on Saturday, and the second shot early Sunday morning through the day on Sunday."
In a special weather statement issued Thursday evening, the weather agency said there will be significant ice accretion from freezing rain.
"General ice accretion amounts of 5 to 15 mm, with amounts in excess of 20 mm possible," the statement said.
With the first shot, Coulson said Barrie will be on the edge of rain or freezing rain. He expects more significant freezing rain from the first shot in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Parry Sound. A more prolonged freezing event is likely for the Barrie area beginning in the early morning hours of Sunday, said Coulson, and again will include areas north of the city.
The Greater Toronto Area will also get freezing rain, with forecasters expecting ice Friday night and Saturday night with showers during the day on Saturday, with a high risk of an extended period of freezing rain in places like Newmarket, Beaverton, Georgina, and Uxbridge.
The weather office says the freezing rain could result in possible power outages, slippery surfaces, and broken tree branches from ice build-up.
"This is something people should be factoring in, and making sure they've got their car emergency kits stocked up, their home emergency kit," said Coulson. "For those with generators, making sure they're topped up with fuel and ready to go."
The temperature on the weekend will hover a few degrees above freezing during the day.
Coulson said the storm will likely bring freezing rain and heavy snow to portions of northeastern Ontario. There is a threat of strong thunderstorms in southwestern Ontario, which will get into the warmest air from the system.
