As of April 2:
Environment Canada has issued freezing rain and rainfall advisories for the Ottawa area overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday. With temperatures expected to hover around the freezing mark, this spring storm will start with snow, ice pellets and freezing rain. Temperatures will rise and precipitation will change to rain, around 15 to 20 mm.
The City is continuing to monitor the storm and is working with local utility providers in preparation of potential power outages.
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
