Significant Weather Event Declaration December 28, 2025

Peterborough, ON – Be prepared for potential power outages and ice build up on roads and walkways with significant freezing rain in the forecast for the City of Peterborough starting early afternoon on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

A Significant Weather Event declaration remains in place for the City of Peterborough in advance of the expected freezing rain.

City Public Works crews are actively monitoring the weather forecast and conditions. Winter abrasive and de-icer treatments will be applied to roads and walkways. City forestry crews are prepared to respond to clear fallen trees and branches from streets and sidewalks.

Crews will work throughout the day and overnight in response to the storm; however, ice accumulation may still occur on roads, sidewalks and municipal parking lots, depending on the severity of the storm.

The City’s Public Works crews deploy 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes and four light sanding units, with winter abrasives and de-icers, for winter storm responses.

Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Alert (the lowest of its three colour-coded alert levels) for the City of Peterborough, Lakefield, and southern Peterborough County.

Freezing rain is expected to begin in the afternoon on December 28 and continue overnight., Environment Canada states. The freezing rain may briefly change over to rain Monday morning as temperatures are expected to climb to just above the freezing mark.

Prolonged utility outages are possible, Environment Canada states. Significant damage to property, including some buildings and trees, is possible due to the weight of ice.

Environment Canada predicts five to 15 millimetres of ice accumulation on some surfaces.

Please monitor Environment Canada for updates on the weather forecast.

To report a downed branch or tree on City property please call Public Works at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Stay at least 10 metres away from fallen power lines, Hydro One states. Downed power lines may still be energized and deadly. Electricity can travel through the ground, even if it looks dry and safe. Report a downed power line to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.

Visit hydroone.com/power-outages-and-safety for information from Hydro One on reported power outages, estimated time for power being restored, and safety information. Outages can be reported online or by calling Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.

Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02, relating to the maintenance of municipal roads, sidewalks and bike lanes. During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution and are reminded that typical winter maintenance service levels for roads may not be met.

The City’s current Significant Weather Event declaration was initially put in place on Friday, December 26, 2025 due to the snow accumulation. The declaration remains in place in anticipation of the freezing rain on December 28.

Be Prepared in an Emergency 

There is potential for power outages due to ice accumulation. Residents should be prepared in case an extreme weather event results in a power outage.  

Having an emergency preparedness kit on hand is essential for staying safe.  

Emergency preparedness kits should include:  

• Battery powered or windup flashlight 

• Battery powered or windup radio 

• First aid kit 

• Portable external battery charger for cellphones, laptops, etc.  

• Water (two litres per person per day) 

• Canned or dried food that won’t spoil 

• Manual can opener 

• Extra batteries for your flashlight or radio 

• Cash-if there is an extended power outage many stores may only be able to accept cash as a form of payment 

• Blankets 

• Candles and matches 

• A list of emergency numbers and important contacts 

Residents are encouraged to charge devices in advance of a weather event.  

Motorists should also ensure there is enough fuel in their vehicles before the storm, as local gas stations may also lose power.  

Watch for Flooding 

Residents should ensure downspouts are directing rain away from the foundations of buildings.   

If possible, residents can help by clearing debris away from the storm sewer drains near their property.  

Stay a safe distance from the edge of waterways as banks can be slippery and unstable.