WEST CARLETON – Get ready for a mix of freezing rain, snow and ice pellets to close out 2019.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the capital region stating an “intense low from the southwestern United States will bring a winter storm to eastern Ontario Sunday (Dec. 29) afternoon into Monday.”

The federal weather agency says residents should expect to see a mix of freezing rain, snow and ice pellets. Residents are asked to consider postponing non-essential travel, as conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow and ice.

“Occasional light snow or ice pellets are expected Sunday night,” Environment Canada released in a statement. “However, heavier precipitation is then forecast to arrive Monday morning, then continue into Monday evening before transitioning to snow Monday night.”

Travel is expected to be very poor Monday. If the precipitation falls mainly as freezing rain there is the potential for an ice storm resulting in significant ice accumulation and widespread power outages.