Mississauga commuters should expect slippery roads and sidewalks today as a messy winter system moves in, bringing a mix of freezing rain, ice pellets and snow from early morning into the evening.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for the city calling for several millimetres of freezing rain or ice pellets and snowfall amounts near five centimetres. The city warned of icy surfaces, reduced visibility and possible travel delays.

Flood outlook as snow melts

Credit Valley Conservation has issued a yellow flood outlook for the Credit River watershed, meaning water levels may rise and localized flooding is possible, especially in low-lying areas and near creeks and rivers, as precipitation falls on melting snow.

The system follows a sharp thaw. Toronto Pearson International Airport, next to Mississauga, reached a high of 8.1 C on Tuesday, according to Environment Canada data, and the snow on the ground there had dropped to 20 centimetres from 30 centimetres less than a week earlier.

After this winter's heavy snowfall, the city says snow piles have spilled onto roads in many neighbourhoods and can temporarily keep meltwater and rain from reaching catch basins. In most cases water will drain slowly beneath the piles, but significant ponding or flooding can be reported to 311. City crews are monitoring local waterways with the conservation authorities and will clear and treat roads, sidewalks and bus shelters as needed.

How to prepare

  • Avoid unnecessary travel, and if you must go out, slow down and allow extra time.

  • Drivers should watch for pedestrians and cyclists before turning, or entering and leaving driveways, roads and parking lots.

  • Stay away from lakes, rivers, creeks, stormwater ponds and culverts.

  • Give snow-clearing crews room to work.

  • Bring pets indoors, and call Animal Services at 905-896-5858 about animals in distress.

  • Charge phones and keep a flashlight handy, and report outages to Alectra at 1-833-253-2872.

  • Report downed trees, blocked roads or sidewalks and other hazards to 311.

MiWay riders should check the MiWay service updates page for route delays. Any closures or cancelled city programs will be posted on the city's social media channels, and snow-clearing updates are shared on the @MississaugaSnow account on X.