The Municipality of Port Hope is advising all residents to prepare for the Special Weather Statement issued by the Government of Canada. The following details outline what to expect and how to stay safe:
Weather Overview and Timing
Beginning late Friday (March 28) and ending Monday (March 31).
Significant ice accretion from freezing rain in amounts of 5 to 15 mm, with amounts in excess of 20 mm possible.
Confidence is increasing in a widespread, prolonged freezing rain event over portions of southern Ontario. The swath of maximum ice accretion is still uncertain at this point, but confidence is highest for areas of central and eastern Ontario between Parry Sound and Kingston. Warnings will be issued as the event draws nearer.
A break in the freezing rain is expected for most areas late in the day on Saturday into Saturday night before a second round of freezing rain begins.
What You Need to Do
Avoid Travel: Slippery surfaces and broken tree branches are expected from ice build-up. If you must travel, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and carry emergency supplies.
Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates and alerts through trusted sources like Environment Canada.
Prepare for Power Outages: Charge devices, have flashlights ready, and keep an emergency kit on hand.
Stay Indoors: Reduce exposure to ice and dangerous wind conditions.
Power Outage Information
High winds and extreme winter weather can lead to power outages. Electricity outage information is supplied by our providers Hydro One and Elexicon Energy. To contact Hydro One by phone, call 1-800-434-1235 and for Elexicon, call 1-866-579-6819. Be sure to stay connected with your provider during an outage to get the most up-to-date information from their websites, outage maps, and/or social media channels if possible.
If the situation is a major weather event, emergency information will be available on the municipal website or sent out via emergency notification networks such as RAVE Mobility Safety. Sign up online to ensure that you receive a notification.
The safety of our residents is our top priority. Please share this information with your neighbours and check on vulnerable family members and others in the community.
Visit our Emergency Preparedness webpage for more information.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
