Drivers urged to keep an eye on conditions before hitting the road on Boxing Day

Some parts of Ontario are preparing for a messy winter mix on Boxing Day, but will Waterloo Region get hit? CTV’s Colton Wiens finds out.

Anyone who has plans to visit friends and family or stop by a few stores on Boxing Day may want to check the weather before heading out.

Environment and Climate Change Canada believes a messy weather system will hit southern Ontario on Friday.

“A total mix of precipitation too,” Trudy Kidd, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said. “We could be seeing snow – two to four cm right now is our best estimate, but we could get up to eight cm. It’ll be more snow if we get less of the other types of precipitation. By that, I mean freezing rain and ice pellets.”

Right now, it looks as though Waterloo Region may be spared.

“[It] doesn’t look like Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding areas are going to get rain. But if you’re travelling on Boxing Day, then definitely look at the forecast for where you’re going because it’s probably going to be different than where you are right now,” Kidd warned.

The Kitchener-Waterloo area is mostly expecting snow, but a clash of cold and warm air could lead to freezing rain to the west.

“For folks in the Windsor area, they’re mostly going to see rain and bit of freezing rain. Folks from Sarnia down to Tillsonburg towards Lake Erie, those folks are going to see more freezing rain. They’re actually going to see enough where local power outages are a concern,” she said.

Waterloo Region, Niagara Region and areas around Lake Huron will likely see snow with a chance for ice pellets and freezing rain.

“The freezing rain, if we get any, it would be a glaze on the surface and not quite as bountiful as towards the south and southwest,” Kidd explained.

Residents in Kitchener told CTV News the weather may change their plans over the holidays.

“We’re planning to travel at the end of the year, the last two days, so we’re travelling up to the west coast, to Grand Bend, and probably up to Kincardine or something,” Sarang Kadoo said. “A little worried about the icy conditions or any unexpected snowfall or heavy snowfall that might disrupt our travel.”

“If it goes really crazy, we might have to rethink, with kids with us, and we’ve got elderly as well, so we do have to keep that in mind,” Kadoo added.

“I don’t like snowy weather, icy roads, that kind of stuff. So, I usually stay indoors where it’s safe,” another resident said.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) told CTV News it is aware of the expected weather, and it’s a good reminder of the importance of driving according to road conditions.

“Be patient, pack an ample supply of patience. Watch your speed. Don’t drive aggressively,” Derek Rogers, media relations coordinator with the OPP, said. “Certainly, do not drive impaired. And keep an eye on Municipal 511 and 511 Ontario. Those are two websites that people can use to check road conditions.”

Rogers said closures on major highways do happen after a crash, and it could be a lengthy wait if you get stuck in a closure.

“It’s important that you take a few steps to make sure you and your vehicle and your passengers are ready for that trip. Fill up your tank, have some snacks, have some water and just be prepared in case anything happens on the highway.

Rogers adds it’s important to have a plan in place if you expect to drink or do drugs.

“If you’re going to be going out and having a few drinks or taking drugs, certainly getting behind the wheel is not an intelligent option,” Rogers said.

Rogers said the number of staff OPP have working over the holidays doesn’t really change, but police will be visible on the roads throughout the holiday season.