Environment Canada says central Ontario can expect a few hours of freezing rain on Tuesday night.

The weather authority issued a freezing rain warning on Tuesday, as a winter storm over parts of the United States moves into The Great Lakes areas.

Meteorologists say this system will start with snow or ice pellets, before changing into periods of freezing rain and finally rain. Officials say the major threat is the potential of icing.

The warning has been issued for:

  • Barrie - Collingwood - Hillsdale
  • Midland - Coldwater - Orr Lake
  • Orillia - Lagoon City - Washago
  • Innisfil - New Tecumseth - Angus
  • Orangeville - Grand Valley - Southern Dufferin County
  • Shelburne - Mansfield - Northern Dufferin County
  • Newmarket - Georgina - Northern York Region
  • Uxbridge - Beaverton - Northern Durham Region
  • Bracebridge - Gravenhurst
  • Huntsville - Baysville
  • Port Carling - Port Severn
  • Town of Parry Sound - Rosseau - Killbear Park
  • Fenelon Falls - Balsam Lake Park - Northern Kawartha Lakes
  • Haliburton - Minden - Southern Haliburton County
  • Owen Sound - Blue Mountains - Northern Grey County

Environment Canada says people can expect roads and highways to become icy and slippery. The public is being asked to adjust their driving conditions accordingly.

The weather authority warns there could be utility outages.