Hamilton, Halton and Niagara Regions brace for 'potentially historic ice storm'

Hamilton, Halton and Niagara Regions are bracing for a "potentially historic ice storm" this weekend that's expected to deliver power outages,Environment Canada warns.

Up to 25 millimetresof ice is expected to buildup throughout the regions by Sunday afternoon, according to a freezing rain warning issued by Environment Canada on Saturday.

The "excessive" ice buildup means there could be power outages, given the forecast calls for windsbetween 90 and 100 kilometres per hour, and ice-laden trees could fall on power lines.

This could potentially cause"dangerous winter driving conditions," especially if the ice causes tree branches to fall on roadways, Environment Canada said in the warning.

JayArmitage, spokesperson for Hydro One, which provides power across Ontario, says they received three times the average number of calls on Saturday due to the storm.

As a result, Hydro One launched itsemergency response unit this afternoon and called in more staff to deal with power outages.

"The next 24 hours are going to be key for us," she told CBC News, adding crews areclosely monitoring the Hamilton and Niagara Region.

"These are the areas that are going to see rain coming down that freezes on the limbs, and those limbs are going to come down on our wires. When the rain freezes on our infrastructure, it's going to wear our infrastructure down and it's going to cause damage."

The federal weather agency also issued a wind warning for the regions around 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

"Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur," the warning read. "High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break."

Up to 80 mm of rain expected by Sunday night

The federal weather agency says mixed precipitation of "patch freezing drizzle" and freezing rain will taper off late Sunday. Alow of 2 C is forecast. Temperatures are expected to hover around there, but as of 5 p.m. Saturday it felt more like12outside.

On Sunday, Environment Canada is calling for "significant" rainto fall in the afternoon.The Hamilton Conservation Authority has issued a flood watchas a result, saying residents should exercise "caution" around all bodies of water and avoid driving in low-lying areas and roadways, particularly atunderpasses.

The organization added, 45 and 80 millimetres of rain is expected to fall by Sunday night, which could lead to flooding on roadways and low-lying areas into Tuesday.

Colleges, universities cancelling exams

The inclement weather has led McMaster University, Mohawk College and Brock University campuses to shut their doors and postpone all final exams scheduled for Saturday.

The finals have been rescheduled for:

• McMaster University: April 22.
• Brock University: April 26.
• Mohawk College: April 21.

All flightsarriving and departing tonightat John C. MunroHamiltonInternationalAirport havebeen cancelled, according to its website.

Hamilton airport isurging travellers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport Sunday.At this time, no Sunday flights have been cancelled or delayed.

Meanwhile, the Hamilton Conservation Authority has closed Dundas Valley Trail Centre for the weekend and Marina Pavilion at Christie Lake on Saturday due to a power outage. It plansto close Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton, Ont., on Sunday due to the developing storm. The organization is also warning other conservation areas could shut down due to icy and windy conditions.

In the Niagara Region,more than 15,000 customers were without power in St. CatharinesSaturday morning, said AlectraUtilities. Power was restored at 3:15 p.m.

The spring storm is due to a moisture-laden low pressure area over the central U.S. that is moving toward the Great Lakes this weekend.

As the low pressure system approaches, thenortheasterly winds are expected to bringcold Arctic air, forcing temperatures below freezing on Saturday morning.