Residents in Guelph, Ontario, are facing a significant winter storm today, February 18, 2026, as several hours of freezing rain are expected to move through the area. Environment Canada has issued an Orange Warning for the city, as well as Erin and southern Wellington County, advising that the storm will begin this morning and taper off by the evening.
Forecasters expect between 5 and 10 millimetres of ice to build up on surfaces, with some areas seeing as much as 15 millimetres. According to weather reports, these icy conditions are being paired with easterly wind gusts of up to 60 kilometres per hour. This combination of heavy ice and wind increases the risk of falling trees and power outages throughout the day.
Because of the dangerous conditions, school bus transportation has been cancelled for the day across the region. Local officials are urging people to avoid any travel that is not essential, as roads and walkways will become very slippery during the morning and evening commutes.
As of early this morning, more than 3,300 customers across Ontario were already without power. You can track current disruptions on the Ontario power outage map as the storm moves through. Utility providers are preparing for more issues as the ice builds up on lines and tree branches.
This weather event is one of the first major tests for the colour-coded alert system recently introduced by the federal government. An Orange Warning means the weather is likely to cause significant damage or disruptions to daily life. Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items and monitor local updates for safety instructions.
