With warmer weather on the way and still a lot of snow hanging around, Barrie police are asking drivers to be cautious on the roads.
Temperatures are expected to be around 6 Celsius on Thursday before jumping to 12 C on Friday, followed by highs of 13 C and 9 C on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
"With the increase in temperature, much of the snow that fell in January and February will continue to melt, which may cause some ponding and pooling of water on our streets," city police stated in a news release. "And with rain in the forecast for both days this weekend, this will only add to enhance the melting process."
Police are asking motorists to use this period of milder weather to top up washer-fluid levels, check for tears in the rubber of your wiper blades and replace them if necessary, and check the air pressure in your tires and adjust as required.
"It is also a good time to ensure that any loose objects, such as mud flaps or plasticized underside engine panels of low-riding cars, are secure as snowbanks at the end of driveways may have damaged the fasteners that hold them in place," police say.
In the event that the heavy rain in the forecast on Sunday creates ponding and pooling on local streets or highways, police ask drivers to reduce your speed accordingly.
"This will help to reduce the risk of hydroplaning and always drive according to the conditions you are experiencing," police say.
Residents are also being to asked to keep young children and pets away from ditches, watercourses and all bodies of water as any existing ice or drainage areas into these areas will become compromised and unsafe due to the flow of meltwater and accumulating rain.
On Wednesday, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority both had their flood status listed as 'normal.'
