Watch for falling ice as temperatures climb above the freezing mark
With increasing temperatures, drivers and pedestrians are reminded to be vigilant about the possibility of falling ice from tall structures.
As major metropolitan areas, such as Toronto and Montreal, continue to recover from the recent historic snowfall event, another hazard arises: falling ice.
Pedestrians and drivers should be aware of the risk posed by falling ice from construction cranes, buildings, and other tall structures as temperatures gradually rise above freezing over the next several days.
Toronto's forecast for Monday, Feb. 24. and Tuesday, Feb. 25.(The Weather Network)
In the past, sheets of ice falling from tall buildings have led to street closures to ensure public safety, as well as bus delays and detours. Additionally, vehicles parked near tall buildings are at risk of damage from falling ice shards.
Drivers and pedestrians should remain vigilant while on the roads and sidewalks and be prepared for the possibility of falling ice. Below are some tips for staying safe.
PEDESTRIANS: Keep your eyes to the sky, but watch where you walk
When you're walking outside, pay attention to what's above you. "If you're walking under any structure -- crosswalk, overpass, bridge, etc. — where there may be ice or water or icicles handing down from above, just be careful," Sgt. Kerry Schmidt from the Ontario Provincial Police previously told The Weather Network in an interview.
Another thing to keep in mind: Any partially-melted ice coating the ground will be extra slippery.
There were nearly 9,000 hospitalizations due to falls on ice in Canada in 2016-2017, making them the number-one cause of sport or winter injuries, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Wear shoes with good grips, take your time, and being aware of your surroundings to help avoid accidents.
Wind and sun can exacerbate the issue
It doesn't take a lot of wind to dislodge ice and transport it to a wider area.
And here's something else to keep in mind: The sun doesn't have to feel warm to melt the ice.
When sun shines on ice, it absorbs UV rays that can cause it to warm and melt, even if the temperature is chilly.
Other objects — like trees or buildings — can warm up even more and accelerate ice melt which can, in turn, cause pieces to fall.
WATCH BELOW: How to spot and prevent harmful leaks from ice dams
This article includes files from Cheryl Santa Maria, a digital journalist for The Weather Network.