Hamilton, Halton and Niagara Regions are bracing for a "potentially historic ice storm" this weekend that's expected to deliver widespread power outages, Environment Canada warns.
Up to 25 millimetres of ice is expected to build up throughout the regions by Sunday morning, according to a freezing rain warning issued by Environment Canada on Saturday.
"The combination of excessive ice accumulations and strong winds will likely result in widespread power outages due to fallen trees and power lines," the warning read.
Wind gusts between 75 and 85 kilometres an hour are expected to hit the area on Saturday night, causing potentially "dangerous winter driving conditions" due to ice build-up and fallen tree limbs.
Environment Canada also issued a wind warning for the regions around 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
"Persons in or near this area should be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and tage necessary safety precautions."
The temperature is expected to drop to –1 C by Saturday afternoon, with the federal weather agency calling for "patch freezing drizzle." This precipitation will turn to freezing rain by the evening, with a low of –2 C in the forecast.
On Sunday, Environment Canada is calling for "significant rain" to fall in the afternoon that may create localized flooding.
The inclement weather has led McMaster University, Mohawk College and Brock University campuses to shut their doors and postpone all final exams scheduled for Saturday.
The finals have been rescheduled for:
- McMaster University: April 22.
- Brock University: April 26.
- Mohawk College: April 21.
The Hamilton Conservation Authority has closed Dundas Valley Trail Centre for the weekend and Marina Pavilion at Christie Lake on Saturday due to a power outage. It plans to close Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton, Ont., on Sunday due to the developing storm. The organization is also warning other conservation areas could shut down due to icy and windy conditions.
Meanwhile in the Niagara Region, more than 15,000 customers were without power in St. Catharines Saturday morning, said Alectra Utilities. Power was restored at 3:15 p.m.
Follow along with the latest updates on the ice storm forecast here: