Freezing rain makes for hazardous Boxing Day road conditions in southwestern Ontario

Provincial police are warning drivers to stay off the roadways on Boxing Day as southwestern Ontario falls under a freezing rain warning from Environment Canada.

Up to 10 millimetres of freezing rain could fall through the morning into the afternoon from London to Windsor, said meteorologist Lucas Alexopoulos. Some areas may also see ice pellets that will make surfaces even more slippery.

"With this kind of weather, you should always be careful when you're driving," said Alexopoulos. "Sometimes you can't see ice, it's difficult to detect. That's in terms of walking as well. Walkways and roadways will become icy."

The freezing rain is expected to intensify throughout the later morning hours and into the early afternoon, he said. It also brings a risk of utility outages as the ice builds up on wires and poles.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are bracing for hazardous travel conditions, said Sgt. Ed Sanchuk, and are urging motorists who do not need to travel to stay home.

"Freezing rain can create invisible ice, making braking, steering and even stopping extremely unpredictable," said Sanchuk. "If travel is absolutely necessary, slow down, plan extra time, and check conditions before going out. Otherwise, the safest choice is to stay home and let road crews clear the roadways."

The slick conditions are expected to continue into Saturday for the London area, said Alexopoulos, as temperatures remain steady at –2 C. Things will thaw with Sunday's high of plus 4 C, or 6 C in Windsor. Some snow is forecast in the final week of December, starting with a 60 per cent chance of flurries and high of –1 C on Monday throughout the region.