A dangerous layer of ice continues to grip Canada's capital, as Environment Canada maintains a freezing rain warning for Ottawa this Monday. The persistent precipitation has transformed roads, sidewalks, and city infrastructure into hazardous, slippery surfaces, prompting urgent safety advisories for residents.
Treacherous Commute and Official Warnings
Commuters faced extremely difficult conditions during the morning rush hour, with the Ottawa Police Service explicitly recommending that all non-essential travel be avoided. Authorities urged the public to consider rescheduling appointments that were not urgent. Environment Canada had forecasted a significant impact on traffic, predicting an ice accumulation of 15 to 20 millimetres from the freezing rain. While the icy downpour was expected to change to light drizzle through the morning, the damage was already done, leaving a treacherous glaze across the city.
High Winds Pose a Secondary Threat
The weather service issued a second, critical advisory concerning strong winds anticipated for later in the day. Gusts reaching speeds as high as 70 kilometres per hour are forecasted. These powerful winds threaten to cause substantial damage to trees and hydro infrastructure already weighed down and coated in a thick shell of ice. The combination of the ice load and high winds significantly increases the risk of falling branches, downed power lines, and subsequent outages.
The winds will be ushered in by a passing cold front, which will also bring a sharp drop in temperatures. Afternoon readings are expected to fall to -2°C before plummeting to a frigid -15°C overnight.
City and Utility Crews on Standby
In anticipation of potential problems, Hydro Ottawa has placed crews on standby to respond quickly to any power failures that may occur. The utility is advising residents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety, which includes charging essential electronic devices and having an emergency kit with supplies readily available. As of late Monday morning, the Hydro Ottawa outage map showed no widespread incidents, but the situation remains fluid with the impending wind event.
The severe weather serves as a stark reminder of winter's disruptive potential in the region. Officials continue to stress caution, urging people to stay informed through official channels and avoid unnecessary risks until conditions improve.
