As of March 30:
The freezing rain began early this morning, and our team has been hard at work. Crews were deployed last night to treat icy conditions and, in some areas, are still cleaning up from yesterday’s snow event. Given the prolonged freezing rain event today, the transportation network will be icy and slippery; patience is key. Operations will take longer than normal as staff must go slow and adjust to slippery conditions.
Conditions
Environment Canada has issued a Freezing Rain Warning for the Ottawa region. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy and slippery and there is a possibility of power outages and tree damage from the ice accretion.
Slow down when using the transportation network today. 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. Please adjust to the conditions of the network.
Our response
Our focus is treating priority roads, bus routes, the Transitway and the winter cycling network with salt and abrasives. Crews have started to transition into residential neighbourhoods and will continue this work throughout the day. Meanwhile, we will be out in full force, clearing City facility parking lots (with a priority on Fire and Paramedic stations) as well as lots serving recreation centres.
With the incoming rain tomorrow, we will also monitor areas that are prone to localized flooding and address any water pooling by ensuring that catch basins and ditches are open and able to take in water.
In the meantime, we are asking for anyone who can to please ensure that your local catch basin is clear and able to take in water. With over 100,000 catch basins in the City we cannot do it alone and would appreciate any support you can offer.
Find your nearest catch basin using our catch basin locator map. Need to report a blocked catch basin? Let us know!
Information on this page will help you be aware and prepared. Be alert for storm notifications and weather changes in your area. Check back here, the City's Facebook, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) feeds, or local news media for the latest information.
Battery-operated (or crank) radios are an important tool for you during a power outage.
The City shares critical information and public service announcements with our local news media so that they can include it in their news coverage.
If there is a power outage and you can’t access information online, tune into your local news radio channel for the latest information. You can also access information in your local daily or community newspaper.
During emergencies, you can act as a vital line for those who need assistance or important information. Have a conversation now with neighbours, friends and family members about how to stay in touch with each other in the event of an emergency.
Plan to check in on neighbours, friends and family members – especially those who are vulnerable – to see if they need assistance and update them with the latest information and instructions.
Check your emergency preparedness kit to make sure it’s stocked with:
For more information about:
Avoid travelling during the storm. Make preparations and complete essential errands before the storm arrives.
If you must travel during the storm, plan ahead and give yourself extra travel time. Always adjust to the conditions of the roads and remember – blue lights flashing means road crews are on the job! Never pass a snow plow or other snow clearing vehicle.
For the latest information on snow clearing and other road impacts visit Roads, sidewalks and pathways.
We encourage you to be a hydrant hero this winter and keep your local hydrant clear of snow. Clearing 0.5 meters around a hydrant maintains access for our firefighters and helps them keep you, your family and your community safe.
Contractors are reminded to not pile snow over or against hydrants when clearing pathways and driveways in the winter.
If you are unable to clear the hydrant on your property, please contact 3-1-1.
Knowing how to find the most up-to-date information during an emergency is crucial. Before, during and after an emergency, refer to these local sources of information to keep yourself, your family and your neighbours as informed as possible.
For a full list of information sources, visit our Information sources for emergencies page.
Call 2-1-1 for information on food banks, free meals, health care, and other social services; you can also get assistance through the 2-1-1 website; this is a provincial service
Call 3-1-1 for information on emergency housing and financial assistance; you can also get assistance through the 3-1-1 website; this is a City service
Call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health advice and help navigating health services; this is a provincial service
Call 9-1-1 for a life-threatening emergency, fire or crime in progress; to contact the Ottawa Police Service for non-emergencies call 613-236-1222.
Hydro Ottawa: 613-738-6400, hydroottawa.com
Hydro One: 1-888-664-9376, hydroone.com
Enbridge: 1-877-362-7434, enbridgegas.com
Ministry of Labour, Health and Safety: 1-877-202-0008