Wicked weekend weather brings freezing rain, wind, flood warning

A special weather statement from Environment Canada is warning Waterloo region, Guelph and parts of Wellington County could see heavy rain, freezing rain and strong winds this weekend.

Total rainfall amounts could be between 25 and 50 mm, the statement says.

The rain will be heavy at times and could switch between rain and freezing rain during the day Saturday and overnight into Sunday, when the storm is expected to end.

Environment Canada warns travel will be impacted throughout southern Ontario Saturday and Sunday.

The forecast calls for a high of 9 C early Saturday but falling to below freezing in the afternoon, and remain about -2 on Sunday.

There's a chance of flurries on Sunday.

GRCAflood warning

The Grand River Conservation Authority upgraded its flood watch to afloodwarning Fridayfor the entire Grand River watershed because the area could see "a record amount of rainfall for this area in January."

The agency noted that there is "a great deal of uncertainty" over how much rain, freezing rain and possible snow might fall over the weekend.

"It is expected that much of the northern Grand River watershed (north of Elora) will see a prolonged period of freezing rain, while the southern watershed (south of Cambridge) will receive heavy rainfall," the warning stated.

"There is limited ice cover on rivers and streams at this time and the risk of ice jam flooding is considered low."

GRCA also said banks alongside rivers and creeks are slippery and could pose a serious hazard during the weekend storm.