According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), a Special Weather Statement was issued at 12:09 a.m. EST on Dec. 19 for Burlington (Burlington–Oakville region), warning residents to prepare for rain, fog and a sudden temperature drop that could turn wet roads icy by Friday morning.
The forecast calls for southerly winds with gusts as high as 60 km/h, fog reducing visibility along major routes and temperatures falling from just above freezing to below zero by mid-morning, changing rain into flurries.
City of Burlington road crews are on standby to salt and sand priority streets and intersections; the city’s winter maintenance plans note crews are available 24 hours per day. The Halton Regional Police Service typically issues reminders for motorists to slow down and leave extra stopping distance during these conditions — check HRPS channels for any event-specific advisories. The City and Burlington Transit note that wintery weather can cause delays or detours on transit routes.
Near-shore areas of Lake Ontario may see high waves and localized flooding at low-lying spots such as Spencer Smith Park. Observers can monitor wind speeds and lake conditions at the Environment Canada Burlington Lift Bridge station (station WWB), which provides past-24-hour and near-real-time observations of gusts and temperatures.
Drivers should watch for black ice on overpasses and bridges, and pedestrians near the waterfront are advised to stay clear of slippery paths. Conditions are expected to improve later Friday as temperatures stabilize, and Environment and Climate Change Canada may update or upgrade the Special Weather Statement if the situation worsens.
