Today’s forecast is shaping up to be a complicated mix of precipitation, with ice pellets, snow, freezing rain and rain in the forecast and expected to fall at different times throughout the event.
Forecast and Conditions
Environment Canada has issued a Freezing Warning for the Ottawa region. Freezing rain moved into the region early this afternoon, and we expect it to transition between ice pellets and rain before the changeover to plain rain for the evening and overnight hours. Adding another layer of complexity to this system is the way in which it will move through the region. Some parts north of the city may get ice pellets and snow, while others further south may get freezing rain and rain. Temperatures are expected to rise today and continue throughout the evening and overnight hours, reaching 5 degrees by tomorrow afternoon.
Be prepared to adjust to the changing conditions of the transportation network. Take extra care when walking, driving or cycling in affected areas. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.
Our Response
This morning, staff continued to clear catch basins in known trouble spot locations to allow rain and melting snow to drain from the roadway to prevent drainage and water pooling issues. Resources have now been deployed to respond to the weather event and our supervisors are monitoring conditions and will continue to do so into the late evening and overnight. Our focus is clearing and treating sidewalks, priority roads, and the winter cycling network. As freezing rain transitions to rain, staff will continue to keep an eye out for any drainage and water pooling issues on the roadways.
We are asking all residents who are able, to please clear their local catch basin. This helps with drainage and ice buildup in your area as the temperature fluctuates. Can’t do it yourself? You may report a blocked catch basin by creating an online service request by visiting Ottawa.ca or by calling 3-1-1.
Snow Removal Operations will be Paused
For several weeks, crews have been working steady on snow removal operations and have made significant progress across the city. Dayshift crews will be winding down their efforts today and snowbank removal will be paused tonight and tomorrow to respond to this storm. The team will assess resuming snow removal operations Friday night and we will continue to keep you updated on our snowbank removal plans.
Next Steps
The Roads and Parking Services team will continue to monitor the forecast, the transportation network and adjust our response according to the weather conditions.
We are committed to keeping you informed, and I will provide another update tomorrow on our progress.
Thank you for supporting our winter operations.
Stay safe and travel with care,
Quentin Levesque
Director, Roads and Parking Services | Directeur, Services des routes et du stationnement
Public Works | Travaux publics City of Ottawa | Ville d'Ottawa