'Dramatic change in temperatures' expected in Waterloo region, Guelph overnight along with heavy rainfall
Total rainfall amounts could reach 30 to 50 mm between Wednesday and Thursday morning
After a wintry blast of snow and ice pellets on Wednesday afternoon, Waterloo region and surrounding areas are in for a sharp rise in temperature along with heavy rainfall.
Environment Canada has issued two weather warnings for the region as a massive low pressure system heads into Ontario from the American midwest.
With colder than expected temperatures Wednesday morning, what was expected to be rain and freezing rain turned out to be close to five centimetres of snow and ice pellets in some areas, said Geoff Coulson, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
The rain will continue overnight into Thursday along with a "dramatic change in temperatures," Coulson said.
By Thursday morning, temperatures should be hovering around 12 C, and the high will reach 18 C with some sunshine possible, Coulson said.
But not before a heavy rain that will bring total rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 millimetres to the region overnight.
Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning as well as a rainfall warning for Waterloo region, Guelph and Wellington County.
"For locations over higher terrain, freezing rain may linger into early this evening," the weather agency said on Wednesday.
Winds gusting up to 60 km/h may damage trees.
"The freezing rain could create an ice accretion of two to four millimetres on some surfaces. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas," the warning said.
In the afternoon, heavy rainfall is expected with thunderstorms possible.
Environment Canada said the ground is "already near saturation" which could cause localized flooding in low-lying areas.
"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads," warned the weather agency.
The rain is expected to end late Thursday morning.
'Avoid travel,' OPP says
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging drivers to "avoid travel" as "several crashes are being reported throughout West Region," a post on X by OPP West Region said Wednesday.
Wellington Road 32 is closed between Highway 7 and Speedvale Avenue W. in Guelph due to a stuck bus and a tanker truck. Large amounts of ice on the road and collisions are being reported, a post on X said.
Freezing rain continues to make travel challenging on our roadways.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPP</a> reminding all motorists to SLOW DOWN, especially when YOU approach emergency vehicles on the side of the roadway. Drive safe, everyone! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ONStorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ONStorm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WROPP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WROPP</a> ^es <a href="https://t.co/q1nuuHqihc">pic.twitter.com/q1nuuHqihc</a>
—@OPP_WRCancellations
Wilfrid Laurier University said on its website it will be closing campuses on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. due to severe weather.
They are expected to reopen Thursday at 6 a.m.
Flood warnings
On Wednesday, the Grand River Conservation Authority issued a flood watch for Grand Valley, Waldemar, Drayton, New Hamburg, Ayr and the Village of Conestogo. This comes after a flood warning for West Montrose was issued on Monday.
"Peak river flows in these communities are expected between Thursday morning and Friday afternoon," a release sent out Wednesday said.
The authority says levels across the watershed are expected to remain high throughout the week, with estimates varying between 40 to 75 millimetres of precipitation across the watershed.
Both the flood warning and watch remain in effect until Saturday at noon.
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With files from Kate Bueckert