Winter arrives with freezing rain and snow

UPDATE TUESDAY: Freezing rain warning continues for the County this morning. Snow mixed with ice pellets expected to end as temperatures warm and the weather turns to rain this afternoon. Chance of flurries with risk of turning to freezing drizzle this evening and overnight as the low hits 0C.

Environment Canada is calling for 30 per cent chance of  flurries and freezing drizzle Wednesday morning, turning to rain showers. The 30 per cent chance of flurries forecast to continue New Year’s Eve and Day.

UPDATE MONDAY – The warning changed to a special weather statement Monday morning. It is no longer a “snowfall warning” or “winter storm warning”, said Environment Canada, because the threshold for snowfall is not expected to be 15 centimetres.

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UPDATE: Record-breaking warmth on Christmas Day, and a mild Boxing Day, will become a pleasant memory as winter-like temperatures are on the way.

Vehicles were packed into parking areas at Sandbanks Provincial Park locations for visitors to enjoy walking along the beach, shores and trails. Christmas Eve’s high of 16.6 degrees C broke last year’s 11.9 degree record.

But the chill is coming for the County and the first winter storm is brewing.

A winter storm watch is in effect for the County through to Kingston for snow and blowing snow Monday evening and night; likely to become mixed with ice pellets or freezing rain Tuesday. Total snowfall could be between 15-25 cm.

Family and friends heading back to the GTA and Golden Horseshoe region are advised to be home before dinnertime Monday as snow, rain, freezing rain and ice pellets are expected to create poor driving conditions Monday evening and into Tuesday morning.