Winter storm descends over southern Ontario, snow and freezing rain forecasted

A messy mix of winter weather is in the forecast for southern Ontario with Environment Canada warning of heavy snow and freezing rain.

Most of southern Ontario is under weather warnings as a storm from America’s northern plains is expected to roll through starting Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday.

As it blows across the province, the storm is expected to bring freezing rain to areas in the southwest, a mix of snow and ice pellets over the Greater Toronto Area, and heavy snow in eastern Ontario.

Environment Canada is warning extensive power outages are likely around Niagara, London and other parts of southwestern Ontario where it’s forecasting freezing rain, moderate winds and up to 20 millimetres of ice buildup.

In Toronto, the forecast is calling for a mix of ice pellets and snow up to 15 centimetres.

A snowfall warning of up to 20 centimetres is in effect for the Ottawa area.