UPDATE: Ice storm creates havoc in southern Ontario, Cornwall spared

UPDATE: Ice storm creates havoc in southern Ontario, Cornwall spared

CORNWALL, Ontario – Cornwall was spared the brunt of a weekend ice storm, though pockets of the area experienced power outages.

Parts of Riverdale and Cornwall Island experienced a power outage Sunday afternoon.

Some communities in the U.S., including St. Lawrence County which is right across the St. Lawrence River from the Cornwall area, declared states of emergency Saturday.

Thousands in northern New York State are without power, not to mention tens of thousands in Southern Ontario, said Hydro One.

Hydro One estimates suggest it could be Monday, or longer, before some already without power get reconnected.

Coun. David Murphy said city managers have been in touch with each other to discuss the storm, and have kept councillors updated via emails when necessary.

Cornwall public information officer Kevin Lajoie said emergency preparedness officials with the city are monitoring the track of the storm.

FROM ENVIRONMENT CANADA: A winter storm from Texas has caused an area of mixed precipitation to spread into Southern Ontario as expected and another round is approaching.

Over areas from Southern Lake Huron through the Greater Toronto area periods of freezing rain have tapered off or changed to light freezing rain and freezing drizzle. From Oshawa eastward to Kingston and the St. Lawrence River freezing rain is persisting. 

Another more potent winter storm from the United States will continue to advance and spread heavier precipitation into Southern Ontario early this evening. A major ice storm is expected across a large swath of Southern Ontario with ice build-up on untreated surfaces, especially tonight. A freezing rain warning is continued for many areas and will be updated regularly. Significant rainfall is also expected to continue for the Windsor area east along the Lake Erie shorelines to Niagara, where rainfall warnings have been issued.

This storm will move out of Ontario Sunday night or early Monday, followed by a few days of calmer weather with cold temperatures.

There is still uncertainty surrounding the exact position of the storm track. Any change in the storm centre’s track will affect precipitation amounts and type. However, it is expected that holiday travel will be significantly impacted.

Travellers should be prepared for dangerous winter travelling conditions. Untreated roads and sidewalks may become icy and very slippery especially in areas that receive extended periods of freezing rain. Power outages may also be an issue. We continue to recommend watching future forecasts and taking the necessary precautions.

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