Special weather statement issued for southern Ontario

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for southern Ontario,warning residents to be ready for a "significant winter storm" this weekend.

Snow is expected to start falling Saturday afternoon and will likely turn to rain as temperatures increase into the double digits, in some regionsSaturday night and into Sunday. Late Friday evening, a freezing rain warning was issued for Peel Region, Waterloo, Barrie, and Grey,Dufferinand Huroncounties.

Regions along the Ottawa Valley could also see periods of freezing rain in theevening Saturday.

The freezing rain could be prolonged in areas northwest of the Golden Horseshoe and along the Ottawa Valley.

Some areas of Eastern and Central Ontario could see between five and 10 centimetres of snow.

Exactly howmuch snow and rain will fall remains uncertain, the federal weather agency said, however temperatures are expected to fall back below freezing Sunday night as a cold front moves in bringing strong winds and possiblyflurries.

The statement also advises drivers to be ready to deal with adverse conditions on the roads throughout the southern portion of the province as the weather will create slippery roads.

"Travel will likely be difficult this weekend considering the changes in the weather during the storm," the statement reads. "The timing and amount of precipitation is still somewhat uncertain at this time."