Strong winds and heavy rain from Pickering and Oshawa to Beaverton on tap for Thursday

Environment Canada has issued special weather statement for Durham Region Thursday with strong winds up to 90 km/hr and heavy rains that could lead to dangerous flying debris and possible localized flooding.

Rainfall is expected to be 15-25 mm with a period of freezing rain inland from Lake Ontario. In Uxbridge and parts north Thursday morning will likely start with freezing rain before it transitions to rain.

The rain will begin in southwestern Ontario early Thursday morning and advance northeastward through the day. The rain will taper to showers by Thursday evening. Gusty southwesterly winds that may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break and isolated utility outages are possible.

Travel conditions may become hazardous in north Durham in the morning due to icy and slippery roads and walkways.