CORNWALL, Ontario – With some dramatic shifts in temperature in recent weeks – and more on the way this weekend – police are warning anglers and people who enjoy the outdoors to be wary of changing ice conditions.
The Ontario Provincial Police are saying ice conditions in the region are not 100 per cent certain, and there could be some dangerous areas where rivers and streams appear to be safely frozen, but are not.
“Ice is constantly changing in response to weather and water conditions and is effected by many different factors including thickness, currents, age of the ice, pressure cracks and snow cover,” the OPP said in a statement. “OPP encourages everyone to stay off the ice when conditions are obviously dangerous especially in the early winter and late spring.”
Prior to Christmas the Cornwall region experienced nearly a week of above average temperatures.
But now a significant winter storm is set to cross parts of Ontario this weekend.
A developing low pressure system will track southwest to northeast across Southern Ontario Saturday and Sunday.
Precipitation associated with this system should begin Saturday as snow before changing to rain later Saturday or Sunday. Some freezing rain is possible during the transition, with a prolonged period possible for areas northwest of the Golden Horseshoe as well as regions along the Ottawa Valley. Over portions of Eastern Ontario, snowfall amounts will likely be in the 5 to 10 cm range before the change occurs.
Temperatures are expected to be well above freezing Sunday, reaching double digits for some areas. The warmth will be short lived, however. A cold front forecast to sweep across Southern Ontario late Sunday will bring a return to cold temperatures, strong winds and snow flurries.
If you do venture out on the ice, please follow these tips to help keep you safe:
• Check the weather- Do not go out on warm or stormy days
• Do not travel on ice if you have consumed alcohol or drugs
• Do not travel on ice alone or in the dark
• Keep away from unfamiliar paths or ice
• NEVER go out on the ice alone- always have a buddy with you
• Always let someone know your destination and time of return
• Children should be accompanied by an adult when out on the ice
• Carry a small survival kit on your person-including ice picks, rope, a lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium fire starter, pocket knife, compass and whistle
For more information from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobilers go to their website at www.ofsc.on.ca or visit the Canadian Red Cross at www.redcross.ca/what-we-do/swimming-and-water-safety/swimming,-boating-and-water-safety-tips/ice-safety.
