Ottawa isn't ready to let winter go just yet — and apparently, winter isn't ready to let Ottawa go either. A round of freezing rain is expected to sweep across the city this Sunday, turning streets and sidewalks into skating rinks and prompting warnings for anyone planning to be out and about.
What to Expect
The freezing rain is forecast to arrive in the morning hours, with conditions potentially lingering into the afternoon depending on how quickly temperatures rise above the freezing mark. Even a brief period of freezing rain can leave a thin but dangerous glaze of ice on untreated surfaces, making walking and driving significantly more hazardous than usual.
Environment Canada has flagged the Ottawa region for icy conditions, urging residents to take extra care on roads and pedestrian paths. Ice accretion on tree branches and power lines is also possible, which can lead to outages in affected neighbourhoods.
Travel and Safety Tips
If you need to head out Sunday, here's how to stay safe:
- Give yourself extra time. Ice dramatically increases stopping distances for vehicles — leave earlier than you think you need to.
- Wear proper footwear. Ice cleats or boots with aggressive grip are a worthwhile investment on days like this.
- Watch for black ice. Shaded areas, bridges, overpasses, and intersections tend to freeze first and thaw last.
- Check OC Transpo updates. Bus routes may experience delays if road conditions deteriorate. Follow OC Transpo on social media for real-time service alerts.
- Stay off the roads if you can. If your trip isn't essential, Sunday might be a good day to stay in, make a big pot of soup, and wait for things to improve.
A Stubborn Winter
This latest icy blast is a reminder that March in Ottawa can be deeply unreliable. While the calendar may say spring is around the corner — the vernal equinox arrives this week — the Ottawa Valley routinely sees wintry weather well into April. Last week's relatively mild stretch had many residents cautiously optimistic, but Sunday's forecast is a familiar reality check.
The City of Ottawa's roads maintenance crews are expected to pre-treat major arterials ahead of the event. Residents with ice control concerns on their streets can report them through the city's 311 service.
Looking Ahead
The good news: forecasters suggest temperatures will rebound through next week, with above-zero daytime highs returning by Monday or Tuesday. The ice should clear relatively quickly once the mercury climbs, but Sunday itself is shaping up to be a stay-home kind of day for many Ottawans.
Keep an eye on Environment Canada's weather alerts and road condition updates from the City of Ottawa as the weekend approaches — conditions can change quickly, and it's always better to be overprepared when freezing rain is in the mix.
Source: CityNews Ottawa
