Environment Canada is forecasting a 70 per cent chance of freezing rain in southwestern Ontario on Saturday.

The weather agency issued a special weather statement for London, Parkhill and eastern Middlesex County on Friday. It says a weak disturbance will bring the freezing rain Saturday morning, but it could change to rain or drizzle by noon.

The duration of the freezing rain should be rather short as southwesterly winds will nudge the mercury towards zero, according to the forecaster.

However some areas could see several hours of freezing rain before temperatures rise above zero changing the freezing rain to rain.

Total precipitation is expected to be less than 5 mm.

Roads and sidewalks may be icy and slippery Saturday morning. Environment Canada says motorists and pedestrians should be prepared for hazardous travelling conditions.

No flooding expected

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority says warmer temperatures and rain are expected to melt much of the snowpack that has accumulated.

The UTRCA adds that while water levels are expected to rise late in the weekend and into early next week, no significant flooding is anticipated.

Currently there is an estimated15-25 mm of water equivalent in the snowpack, which is very light and will absorb much of the incoming rain before beginning to release water.

Still, residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all waterways as many streams and ditches are hidden by snow,  banks are slippery, and the water is very cold.

Flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood and Pittock are at seasonal levels and UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation.