Power outages 'very likely' as winter storm bears down for Christmas break

A monster multi-day winter storm is churning toward southwestern Ontario, bringing with it a mix of rain, freezing rain and lake effect snow driven by high winds that has the potential to create widespread power outages and disrupt travel plans for millions, according to forecasters. 

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Wednesday warning the storm would start as early as Thursday night as rain moves into the London region before temperatures drop rapidly on Friday, leading to a potential flash freeze. 

"Some areas could go from anywhere from three to five degrees above zero to almost minus 10 on the flip side when the cold front goes by, and that's going to be over the course of a few hours, so very sudden temperature drops," Environment Canada warning preparedness metrologist Steven Flisfeder told CBC News Wednesday. 

Flisfeder said the flash freeze combined with high winds and lake effect snow means the storm has the potential to damage trees, bring down hydro lines, creating icy conditions, reduced visibility and whiteout conditions on the roads late Friday, lasting into the weekend. 

Travellers should expect delays at airports

"The factors we're seeing coming together for this storm will make it very likely that we'll have power outages over a large area of Southern Ontario," he said. 

For travellers, it means a potential nightmare, especially those looking to jet away to a sun-drenched tropical paradise.

Scott McFazden, the CEO of the London International Airport, said Wednesday the airport has extra staff on hand to deal with the weather and keep runways clear through the storm.

"We do expect we will be able to keep up and manage it from an operations perspective. Of course, with airlines, it's a different story from the whole network and how things can get backed up from that perspective."

"The roads will be bad as well, so give yourself lots of time. Make sure you're checking in with the status of the airlines and checking that regularly in case there are any delays and cancellations." 

Provincial police advise drivers to travel only if necessary

To keep roads clear, London city hall has extra crews on stand-by to ensure people can safely travel through the city.

"We have crews on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so we're fully prepared to deploy our resources starting likely with our sanders and salters and then moving to road plows and side walk plows as the deep snow accumulates," said John Parsons, the director of roads management of the City of London. 

Parsons said, for updates on travel within the city, people should consult the city's website. It explains how the city decides which roads get priority during storms and gives people a chance to report problems. 

For travellers travelling by provincial highways, the OPP is advising drivers to travel only if necessary. 

"We completely understand wanting to see friends and family over the holidays," said Const. Nicholas Wilson in an email to CBC News Wednesday.

"But depending on how severe the weather is, is it actually worth heading out into those conditions?"

Wilson said if you absolutely have to travel, pack an emergency kit — with hats, mitts, boots, socks, coats, snow pants, other warm clothing, food and water, extra windshield washer fluid and a shovel, in case you get stuck.

Depending on how bad the storm gets, staying home might be the best option. For those who don't have a home, however, there are few choices. 

The City of London's Winter Response program starts this week, which means 112 new shelter spaces are open for those who need them.

Another 30-plus beds will also open with the cold alert that will likely be in place, said Anne Armstrong, the executive director of London Cares' homeless response service. 

"I"m losing sleep over how many people are outside right now," she said, adding her agency is looking at ways to squeeze more people in this week. 

"We'll turn over any rock to get more people inside."