The threat of significant freezing rain has halted most school buses and closed many schools across midwestern Ontario.
The cancellations and closures came in as the low pressure system that has the potential to leave 5 to 10 millimetres of ice-build up moved into the region on Wednesday morning.
All school buses in Grey-Bruce and northern Wellington are cancelled for the day, as are most in Huron-Perth. Additionally, Bluewater District School Board and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board closed all of its schools and work sites.
"Several hours of freezing rain are likely," Environment Canada said in a statement. "Easterly winds gusting to 60 km/h combined with ice accretion may lead to utility outages and tree damage. The most hazardous conditions are expected over areas of higher elevation."
Near Lake Huron, the precipitation is likely to fall mostly as rain as the temperature there should stay above the freezing mark.
Bruce Peninsula is also expecting 10 to 15 centimetres of snow Wednesday, in addition to the freezing rain.
Environment Canada has an orange-level freezing rain warning in effect for northern Huron County, Perth County, Grey County, Bruce County, and northern Wellington County. A yellow-level freezing rain warning is in place for southern Huron, while Bruce Peninsula additionally has a yellow-level snowfall warning in effect.
Bruce County, Grey County, Township of Georgian Bluffs, and the Town of Saugeen Shores have declared a significant weather event. That means caution should be used when traveling on municipal roads and sidewalks as crews may require additional time to clear and maintain the infrastructure.
"Roads may look harmless, but ice has a way of hiding in plain sight, waiting for that one sharp turn or sudden stop," cautioned West Region OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk in a video posted to social media. "Make sure you slow down, give yourself extra time. and treat every surface like it's ready to surprise you."
The precipitation should taper off Wednesday night, though there could still be freezing drizzle overnight, Environment Canada said.
