Residents are being urged to prepare for possible power outages and hazardous travel conditions as significant freezing rain is forecast to move into the City of Peterborough starting early Sunday afternoon.
The City says a Significant Weather Event declaration remains in place ahead of the expected storm, which Environment Canada warns could bring five to 15 millimetres of ice accumulation on some surfaces.
City public works crews are actively monitoring forecasts and conditions, with winter abrasives and de-icing treatments set to be applied to roads and walkways. Forestry crews are also on standby to respond to fallen trees and branches that could block streets or sidewalks due to the weight of accumulating ice.
Crews are expected to work throughout the day and overnight; however, officials caution that ice buildup may still occur on roads, sidewalks and municipal parking lots depending on the severity of the storm.
For winter storm response, the city deploys 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes, and four light sanding units.
Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Alert — the lowest of its three-tier warning system — for the City of Peterborough, Lakefield and southern Peterborough County. Freezing rain is expected to begin Sunday afternoon and continue overnight, with a possible brief change to rain Monday morning as temperatures rise just above freezing.
Environment Canada warns prolonged utility outages are possible, along with significant damage to property, including buildings and trees. Residents are advised to exercise caution and limit travel as conditions deteriorate.
