Ottawa woke up to treacherous conditions Sunday as Environment Canada's freezing drizzle warning blanketed the capital, turning sidewalks, roads, and driveways into skating rinks before the alert was eventually lifted.
What the Warning Said
Environment Canada flagged the hazard early, warning of "freezing drizzle with light ice build-up making surfaces icy and slippery" expected to persist through the day. While the drizzle itself may sound minor compared to a full-blown ice storm, freezing drizzle is notoriously deceptive, the thin, nearly invisible glaze it leaves behind is one of the most dangerous winter conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Why Freezing Drizzle Is So Tricky
Unlike heavy snowfall, which is easy to see and often prompts people to slow down, freezing drizzle creates a thin layer of glaze ice that's hard to spot until you're already sliding. Black ice on roadways becomes a serious concern, and even treated sidewalks can remain hazardous for hours after the precipitation stops.
For Ottawa, a city that sees its fair share of winter curveballs. This kind of late-winter weather event is familiar but never easy to navigate. The combination of above-freezing air temperatures and below-freezing surface temperatures creates the perfect recipe for ice accumulation.
Getting Around Ottawa During Icy Conditions
For residents who had to venture out Sunday, extra caution was the name of the game. A few reminders that apply any time Ottawa issues a freezing rain or freezing drizzle warning:
- Slow down behind the wheel: braking distances increase dramatically on icy pavement
- Give extra space to cyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles
- Wear boots with grip: smooth-soled footwear on an icy sidewalk is a recipe for a fall
- Check OC Transpo for any service delays or detours, as buses can be affected by icy roads
- Give yourself extra time: whether you're driving or walking, rushing in icy conditions is how accidents happen
The Warning Is Over, But Stay Alert
Environment Canada has since ended the freezing drizzle warning for the Ottawa area, signalling that the worst of the icy conditions has passed. That said, shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses can hold ice well after a warning lifts, so it's worth staying vigilant until temperatures climb and any remaining glaze has had a chance to melt.
Keep an eye on Environment Canada's weather alerts at weather.gc.ca for the latest updates, and check local road conditions before heading out if you're unsure.
Spring may be just around the corner for Ottawa, but winter has a habit of getting one last word in. Sunday's freezing drizzle was a reminder to keep those winter boots handy a little while longer.
Source: Ottawa Citizen / Environment Canada
