Environment Canada has issued an orange freezing rain warning for Tillsonburg, Ontario, starting the morning of February 18, 2026. This high-level alert means the community should prepare for several hours of ice buildup on roads, sidewalks, and power lines.
Forecasters from Environment Canada expect between 5 and 10 millimetres of ice buildup, though some areas could see as much as 15 millimetres. Strong easterly winds reaching up to 60 kilometres per hour are also predicted, which increases the risk of falling tree branches and utility failures.
Local utility provider Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. and provincial crews are monitoring the storm closely. The weight of the ice combined with high winds could lead to power outages that may affect household heating and municipal services throughout the day.
Driving conditions are expected to be dangerous for both the morning and evening commutes. Oxford County officials may declare a significant weather event if the ice makes it impossible for road crews to keep the streets clear to provincial standards.
The freezing rain is expected to stop by the evening of February 18, 2026, as the weather system moves out of the region. However, residents are encouraged to stay off the roads if possible and use extra caution on any icy surfaces until the ice has been cleared.
