Toronto is about to be encased in a layer of ice

After a brief taste of spring-like temperatures this weekend, Toronto is preparing for a deep freeze that could have the city encased in a layer of ice this week. 

A special weather statement issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) warns that "hazardous winter conditions" are expected to hit the city on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Beginning Wednesday morning and lasting into the evening, a low-pressure system moving into the region is expected to bring several hours of freezing rain or ice pellets, which could result in a significant ice accumulation. 

Local meteorologists report that up to five millimetres of ice accretion is expected in Toronto, which would encase roads, walkways, and just about every other surface in town to create dangerous slippery conditions.

ECCC states that these conditions could impact travel times, and local utility outages may also occur as ice weighs down power lines. 

So if you were thinking about putting away your winter boots and shovel, you might want to hold off a little longer. Freezing rain and icy roads are expected from Wednesday morning into the evening, so plan ahead and travel with caution.

But no storm is forever, as the saying goes. 

According to ECCC's three-month forecast, residents can expect normal seasonal conditions between now and April, with some Ontario regions potentially seeing warmer-than-normal temperatures as we shift from winter to spring.