A freezing rain warning is in effect for Haliburton, Minden, Southern Haliburton County, Oxtongue Lake, Fort Irwin, and Northern Haliburton County as a major ice storm continues today. Environment Canada says the centre of the storm which originated from Texas is now located over Southwestern Ontario this morning. The storm has brought substantial moisture and combined with slightly colder northerly flow it is still producing a major freezing rain storm which will continue today for portions of Southern and Eastern Ontario. Additional freezing rainfall amounts in the order of 10 to 15 mm are possible today. Wind increasing this morning will gust 30 to 50 kilometres per hour 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 may 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, freezing rain is expected to continue into early this evening. Significant ice accumulation on trees and power lines is creating widespread power outages and downed trees or tree limbs. More than 250,000 customers are without power in the Greater Toronto area alone. Driving conditions on untreated roads are very hazardous as well. Motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution and adjust travel plans accordingly.
