As freezing rain is falling in Brampton and Mississauga, Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory. The advisory, which was published Sunday, Dec. 1 at 10:12 a.m., said more freezing rain is anticipated before changing to freezing drizzle or flurries in the afternoon. Roads, highways, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery, the advisory said, and several millimetres of ice accumulation is possible.
Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said that as of 10 a.m. there were dozens of collisions in the GTA, including a jackknifed transport trailer on the eastbound Highway 401, around Highway 403 in Mississauga.
He said the conditions on the roads are “treacherous,” and unnecessary travel should be avoided.
“If you don’t need to be on the roads, this is a day to stay off,” Schmidt said. “Wait for the storm to pass, wait for the salters and plows to get through and do their jobs and then you can go out afterward.”
Environment Canada also warned that strong winds and ice accumulation on tree branches and power lines could cause power outages in the area.
As of 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, Environment Canada’s hourly forecast for Brampton and Mississauga showed freezing rain and ice pellets ending in the afternoon, and then flurries and a risk of freezing drizzle until Monday morning.