Environment Canada senior climatologist Dave Phillips speaks about the powerful storm hitting northern and central Ontario.

Toronto could see patchy freezing rain Sunday morning as forecasters now warn of gusty winds that may persist through Tuesday.

As of 9:30 a.m., Environment Canada is predicting a “wintry mix,” including freezing rain and ice pellets. Experts warn the strong weather is possible early in the day, potentially creating slippery travel conditions across the city.

The national weather agency says the risk of freezing rain is expected mainly this morning, though some areas could continue to see mixed precipitation into the afternoon.

Risk of freezing rain early Sunday

Forecasters say minor ice accretion is possible as temperatures hover near the freezing mark.

Patchy freezing rain and ice pellets may develop early in the day and could linger longer in areas over higher terrain south of Georgian Bay.

Officials warn Torontonians that the conditions may make travel difficult in some areas.

ice, Toronto Ice is shown on tree branches as people make their way through rain and icy conditions in Toronto on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Strong winds expected for several days

In addition to the wintry mix, Environment Canada says strong winds are expected to develop and persist for the next several days.

Officials say “easterly winds” this morning are expected to “become southerly tonight, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h.”

Winds are then forecast to shift southwesterly on Monday before “becoming westerly Monday night,” with gusts potentially strengthening to between 70 and 90 km/h.

“High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Local utility outages possible,” officials noted.

Earlier snowfall advisory

Earlier this morning, the weather agency warned Toronto could see a messy mix of snow, freezing rain and strong winds as the system moved through the region.

Forecasters said the storm could produce between two and six centimetres of snow across the city, though totals could vary depending on where heavier bands developed.

Environment Canada continues to advise residents to exercise caution as conditions change throughout the day.