Police advise drivers to stay off the roads Friday in Mississauga and Brampton

By

Published December 21, 2022 at 4:27 pm

ontario storm warning
Photo by max fuchs

If you don’t need to drive in Mississauga and Brampton this Friday, don’t.

That is the advice from Peel Regional Police ahead of what could be a flash freeze event on Friday (Dec. 23).

“Do all your running around today and tomorrow,” says Constable Philip Yake in a video posted to social media on Dec. 21.

Precipitation may begin as rain or snow late Thursday (Dec. 22) before possibly transitioning to rain in many areas early Friday, according to a special weather statement.

Then temperatures are expected to plummet, which will cause a flash freeze, making for treacherous conditions on the roads.

“The roadway conditions are going to deteriorate fast and rapidly,” says Yake. “You can go from driving on a wet road to driving, literally, on a skating rink.”

Drivers need to reduce their speed even on roads that have been salted. Smaller, residential roads won’t likely be salted right away, he warns.

A sudden drop in temperature could also freeze car wiper blades.

Yake said drivers should make sure to break off the ice and have plenty of washer fluid ready. But the safest thing may be to stay home.

“If you don’t need to drive, just don’t,” Yake says. “It’s safer for everyone.”

INsauga's Editorial Standards and Policies