Environment Canada, the official weather department of Canada, issued a warning for 'freezing rains' in Toronto on Tuesday. The federal agency warned the residents about the possibility of a few millimetres of ice building up on the surface. The forecast also mentioned that the freezing rains in Canada might turn to light showers later.&nbsp;

Roads, highways, walkways, and parking lots might become slippery and icy due to the freezing rain, alerted Environment Canada. Guidelines for motorists are to keep a slow pace on tricky roads, keep an eye on the rear lights of vehicles, and keep a safe distance from others.&nbsp;

"Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance," Environment Canada advised drivers.&nbsp;

But, many are unaware of the 'significant influence' these freezing rains can have on their daily lives, especially the rush hour traffic.&nbsp;

Ontario, The Greater Toronto Area and the Niagara Region are included in the warning. "Areas away from Lake Ontario over slightly higher terrain will be most susceptible, especially bridges and overpasses," said meteorologist Anthony Farnell.&nbsp;

<h2>What is freezing rain?</h2>

Freezing rain and sleet emerge from the same phenomena. The liquid raindrops from a layer of warm air fall into a layer of freezing air above the surface and clutch the ground. Such a phenomenon results in icy precipitation. The distinction between the two occurs due to the thickness of the layers.

When the layer of freezing air is thin, the raindrops do not have much time to freeze before they touch the ground. It causes freezing rain. The water droplets from above create an ice coat on the surface.

On the other hand, sleet is frozen raindrops that occur when the layer of freezing air above the surface is thicker. Thus, the raindrops freeze before reaching the ground.&nbsp;

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<h2>Why are freezing rains unsafe?</h2>

Both icy precipitations, freezing rain and sleet, are dangerous for travellers. In both cases, the frozen droplets create slippery areas on roads, causing motorists to lose power over their vehicles with small or no warning.&nbsp;

Freezing rain causes ice that can swiftly add a heavy weight to tree branches and power lines, causing them to snap or break. Moreover, these broken branches damage the surface beneath them. Broken power lines can also lead to power cuts.&nbsp;

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<h2>What did freezing rains do to Atlantic Canada?</h2>

Atlantic Canada, also known as the Atlantic provinces of eastern Canada, witnessed freezing rains across the territory accompanied by power outages and slippery surfaces.&nbsp;

The bulk power outages affected around 2,000 customers of Newfoundland Power at mid-afternoon in several regions of the island portion of the province. These areas included Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Lewisporte, and Corner Brook.&nbsp;

On Monday, the region experienced freezing rains of 60 to 90 millimetres across various areas.&nbsp;

The sloppy weather delayed flights at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Bay Ferries also cancelled the trips between Digby, NS, and Saint John, on Sunday, due to the windy climate in the Bay of Fundy.&nbsp;

In Nova Scotia, the expected rain was between 25 to 45 millimetres. New Brunswick also experienced freezing rain in southern and central regions.

Schools in New Brunswick remained closed on Monday. Students also had to miss their classes on Friday due to similar conditions.&nbsp;

"A lot of ice has collected on telephone poles and tree branches. What that does is cause the tree branches to come down and touch the high-powered lines and arc, sometimes causing a fire. We've had a couple of telephone poles on fire," said Keith Guptill, Moncton Fire Department which received several calls on Monday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Environment Canada, the official weather department of Canada, issued a warning for 'freezing rains' in Toronto on Tuesday. The federal agency warned the residents about the possibility of a few millimetres of ice building up on the surface.

Environment Canada, the official weather department of Canada, issued a warning for 'freezing rains' in Toronto on Tuesday. The federal agency warned the residents about the possibility of a few millimetres of ice building up on the surface. The forecast also mentioned that the freezing rains in Canada might turn to light showers later. Roads, highways, walkways, and parking lots might become slippery and icy due to the freezing rain, alerted Environment Canada. Guidelines for motorists are to keep a slow pace on tricky roads, keep an eye on the rear lights of vehicles, and keep a safe distance from others. "Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance," Environment Canada advised drivers. But, many are unaware of the 'significant influence' these freezing rains can have on their daily lives, especially the rush hour traffic. Ontario, The Greater Toronto Area and the Niagara Region are included in the warning. "Areas away from Lake Ontario over slightly higher terrain will be most susceptible, especially bridges and overpasses," said meteorologist Anthony Farnell. What is freezing rain? Freezing rain and sleet emerge from the same phenomena. The liquid raindrops from a layer of warm air fall into a layer of freezing air above the surface and clutch the ground. Such a phenomenon results in icy precipitation. The distinction between the two occurs due to the thickness of the layers. When the layer of freezing air is thin, the raindrops do not have much time to freeze before they touch the ground. It causes freezing rain. The water droplets from above create an ice coat on the surface. On the other hand, sleet is frozen raindrops that occur when the layer of freezing air above the surface is thicker. Thus, the raindrops freeze before reaching the ground. Also Read | US delegation to visit Cuba to discuss 'international law enforcement' Why are freezing rains unsafe? Both icy precipitations, freezing rain and sleet, are dangerous for travellers. In both cases, the frozen droplets create slippery areas on roads, causing motorists to lose power over their vehicles with small or no warning. Freezing rain causes ice that can swiftly add a heavy weight to tree branches and power lines, causing them to snap or break. Moreover, these broken branches damage the surface beneath them. Broken power lines can also lead to power cuts. Watch | Sri Lanka battles its worst economic crisis in 70 years What did freezing rains do to Atlantic Canada? Atlantic Canada, also known as the Atlantic provinces of eastern Canada, witnessed freezing rains across the territory accompanied by power outages and slippery surfaces. The bulk power outages affected around 2,000 customers of Newfoundland Power at mid-afternoon in several regions of the island portion of the province. These areas included Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Lewisporte, and Corner Brook. On Monday, the region experienced freezing rains of 60 to 90 millimetres across various areas. The sloppy weather delayed flights at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Bay Ferries also cancelled the trips between Digby, NS, and Saint John, on Sunday, due to the windy climate in the Bay of Fundy. In Nova Scotia, the expected rain was between 25 to 45 millimetres. New Brunswick also experienced freezing rain in southern and central regions. Schools in New Brunswick remained closed on Monday. Students also had to miss their classes on Friday due to similar conditions. "A lot of ice has collected on telephone poles and tree branches. What that does is cause the tree branches to come down and touch the high-powered lines and arc, sometimes causing a fire. We've had a couple of telephone poles on fire," said Keith Guptill, Moncton Fire Department which received several calls on Monday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explainer: What exactly are the 'freezing rains' battering Canada?

Canada floods kill one person, leave two missing; rail access cut to Vancouver port

Quebec police hope to send divers into a swollen river on Monday to search for a toddler and a man who were swept away as heavy rains flooded homes and streets and the government sent troops to lay sandbags to protect homes from the deluge.

Schools and government buildings were closed in some areas as the province grappled with the worst flooding in decades.

Montreal, Quebec&#39;s largest city, declared a state of emergency on Sunday and the military was sent in to assist.

A Quebec police spokesman said the man and toddler were swept away after their car swerved into a river in the province&#39;s eastern Gasp&eacute; region on Sunday evening, and that divers would hunt for them if conditions improve.&nbsp;

The man, child and a woman had climbed onto the roof of the vehicle but choppy waters flipped the car over, sending all three into the water, Sgt. Claude Doironthe said. The woman hung onto a branch and escaped; the man and child were swept away and remained missing as of Monday morning, police said.

About 30 police officers and firefighters were patrolling the riverbanks after the weather made helicopter assistance impossible. Three to four divers are expected to join the search.

The floodwaters are expected to peak in Montreal later on Monday, the Quebec public safety minister, Martin Coiteux, told reporters.

The Red Cross asked for donations to provide emergency aid to more than 1,500 displaced by the floods.&nbsp;

&quot;Now we have to start from zero a second time,&quot; said Mina Tayarani, 53, whose family moved from Iran in 2004.&nbsp;

Tayarani and her family have been sleeping at a local preschool for two days since their Montreal home was flooded.

The Canadian military has deployed close to 1,600 troops to deal with the aftermath of the deluge. Approximately 60 mm of rain (2.4 inches) fell in eastern Ontario and western Quebec late last week.

Both provinces have been grappling with the impact of heavy spring rainfall.&nbsp;

As of Sunday evening, 146 Quebec municipalities were affected by flooding that inundated thousands of residences and forced the evacuation of about 1,520 people, according to Urgence Quebec.&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited a flooded community on Sunday and helped to fill sandbags in his home province.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

A man and a toddler were swept away after their car swerved into a river in the province's eastern Gasp? region on Sunday evening.

Quebec police hope to send divers into a swollen river on Monday to search for a toddler and a man who were swept away as heavy rains flooded homes and streets and the government sent troops to lay sandbags to protect homes from the deluge. Schools and government buildings were closed in some areas as the province grappled with the worst flooding in decades. Montreal, Quebec's largest city, declared a state of emergency on Sunday and the military was sent in to assist. A Quebec police spokesman said the man and toddler were swept away after their car swerved into a river in the province's eastern Gaspé region on Sunday evening, and that divers would hunt for them if conditions improve. The man, child and a woman had climbed onto the roof of the vehicle but choppy waters flipped the car over, sending all three into the water, Sgt. Claude Doironthe said. The woman hung onto a branch and escaped; the man and child were swept away and remained missing as of Monday morning, police said. About 30 police officers and firefighters were patrolling the riverbanks after the weather made helicopter assistance impossible. Three to four divers are expected to join the search. The floodwaters are expected to peak in Montreal later on Monday, the Quebec public safety minister, Martin Coiteux, told reporters. The Red Cross asked for donations to provide emergency aid to more than 1,500 displaced by the floods. "Now we have to start from zero a second time," said Mina Tayarani, 53, whose family moved from Iran in 2004. Tayarani and her family have been sleeping at a local preschool for two days since their Montreal home was flooded. The Canadian military has deployed close to 1,600 troops to deal with the aftermath of the deluge. Approximately 60 mm of rain (2.4 inches) fell in eastern Ontario and western Quebec late last week. Both provinces have been grappling with the impact of heavy spring rainfall. As of Sunday evening, 146 Quebec municipalities were affected by flooding that inundated thousands of residences and forced the evacuation of about 1,520 people, according to Urgence Quebec. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited a flooded community on Sunday and helped to fill sandbags in his home province. (Reuters)

Canada's Quebec battles floods; police search for toddler, man swept away

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Explainer: What exactly are the 'freezing rains' battering Canada?

Canada floods kill one person, leave two missing; rail access cut to Vancouver port

Canada's Quebec battles floods; police search for toddler, man swept away