Freezing rain warning

Ice, Ice, Maybe: Windsor's Winter Wonderland Turned Slippery!

Windsor-Essex is preparing for a wintery mix of freezing rain, so grab your skates and hold onto your coffee!

Windsor-Essex is gearing up for a frosty night as Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for the region. If you're in Windsor or Chatham-Kent, it's time to brace yourself for some icy adventures! Starting around midnight, patchy freezing rain will begin creeping in, leading to potentially slippery roads and walkways. With an expected build-up of up to two millimeters of ice, it's not just the penguins who will be sliding around tonight!

As you prepare for the icy onslaught, keep in mind that daytime temperatures will improve by Thursday morning, meaning that all this fuss over freezing rain is a temporary blip in the weather pattern. Casual strolls and car rides could turn into an exciting version of a winter obstacle course—just remember, the goal is to stay upright! Those who plan on heading out for late-night runs to the grocery store might want to reconsider; it's safer to keep the Olympic-level skating until the morning when conditions are expected to get back to normal.

But don't think this chilly phenomenon is unique to Windsor-Essex! Nearby Chicago is also experiencing similar weather with its own winter weather advisory for freezing rain. It’s a classic case of “when it rains, it pours”—or, in this case, freezes. Drivers on both sides of the border are advised to exercise caution because icy roads are never a good time, so let’s keep the slip-ups to a minimum, folks!

And here's a fun twist: Did you know that freezing rain occurs when rain falls through a layer of cold air at the surface before it hits the ground? This creates those gorgeous ice-encased trees that are lovely but can also be dangerous if the branches become weighted down. So, as you navigate your winter wonderland in Windsor-Essex tonight, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty—just don’t end up on your backside!