York Region Reminding Residents to Stay Safe During Spring Ice Storm

March 28, 2025
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for a spring ice storm impacting York Region, predicting a mix of freezing rain and rain, beginning the late afternoon on Friday, March 28, through Monday, March 31, 2025.

Local weather advisories are warning freezing rain can lead to 5 to 10 millimetres of precipitation on surfaces depending on temperatures during the day. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous. Ice build-up can also cause broken tree branches.

The special weather statement forecasts freezing rain this weekend:

  • Beginning on Friday, March 28 to Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Light rain during the day on Friday will transition to freezing rain overnight; ice accumulation may occur on surfaces
  • Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Freezing rain or rain continues; precipitation could lead to icy surfaces and reduced visibility; freezing rain is expected to end for all areas by midday Sunday

Ice storm conditions can lead to possible power outages. Refer to your utility provider’s website or social media for current outage information and power restoration timelines. York Region hydro providers include Alectra, Hydro One and Newmarket Tay Power (NT Power).

York Region is actively monitoring the situation and reminding residents to:

  • Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel where possible
  • Check in on neighbours, especially those who are elderly, have young children or face mobility challenges
  • Have an emergency car kit
  • Motorists are reminded to slow down and leave a safe distance between themselves and other vehicles including snowplows and to watch out for pedestrians at intersections
  • Pedestrians are reminded to cross roadways only when it is safe and at signalized intersections. Pedestrians should also make sure they can be easily seen by motorists by wearing light-coloured clothing and make sure their vision is not obstructed by coat hoods or scarves
  • In the event of a power outage, treat all traffic intersections as a four-way stop

The Roads and Traffic Operation Centre monitors changing road conditions 24/7 to ensure roads safety is maintained during weather incidents.

If you know of someone who is at risk of or is experiencing homelessness, contact the York Region Emergency Housing Central Intake Line at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76140. For medical emergencies, call 911 and follow health authorities' guidance for urgent health concerns.

For more information on how to stay safe during an emergency, visit the Preparing for Emergencies page. York Region will communicate any service interruptions on york.ca and on X at @YorkRegionGovt.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to onstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.