Police issue melting weather warning as conditions shift

Stacked windrows are blocking some catch basins creating some icy water pools (CTV News/Dave Mitchell).

Local police are warning residents about potential flooding and pooling of water with milder temperatures in the forecast after record snowfall this season.

The warmer temperatures will be mixed with rainy weather in the coming days, which will only help to expedite the melting process.

The Barrie Police Service wants residents to be prepared for the changing of the seasons.

“Police are suggesting to 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,” the service stated on Wednesday.

“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,” it added.

Motorists are reminded to reduce speeds accordingly in the event of ponding or pooling on roads and highways to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

Police also strongly advice keeping children and pets away from ditches, watercourses and any body 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.”

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