In response to a major freezing rain event in the area, The Township of Minden Hills, The Township of Algonquin Highlands, The Municipality of Highlands East, The Municipality of Dysart et al, and the The County of Haliburton have all declared a Significant Weather Event at 3:00 p.m. local time that will impact travel and services throughout the County. This declaration is made pursuant to Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways.

The declaration may change how or when the Municipalities or County perform their maintenance operations and may increase the amount of time to bring the roads back to a state of repair. County and Municipal Staff are advising residents to avoid driving, and if you must travel, please use extreme caution as the County and local Municipalities may not be able to meet their maintenance standards for roads due to ice accretion.

Please see the Freezing Rain Warning from Environment Canada below.

______________________________________________________________________

5:32 AM EDT Friday 28 March 2025

Major ice storm this weekend. What: Prolonged period of freezing rain. Significant ice accretion. General ice accretion amounts of 10 to 20 mm, with amounts in excess of 25 mm possible. Widespread power outages. Icy and slippery conditions. When: This evening into Sunday afternoon. The heaviest freezing rain is expected overnight into Saturday morning. Additional Information: The area will receive significant freezing rain over the upcoming weekend. Precipitation may begin as snow or rain before changing over to freezing rain this evening. Freezing rain may become lighter for a brief period of time for some areas on Saturday. Freezing rain will change to rain on Sunday as temperatures rise above the freezing mark. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For information on emergency plans and kits go to getprepared.gc.ca. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.

In effect for:

• Haliburton - Minden - Southern Haliburton County

-END-