Environment Canada has lifted the freezing rain warning for the Ottawa region.
Light flurries are tapering off this morning; it’ll be mainly cloudy with a West wind around 30 kilometres per hour, gusting to 50. The forecast shows a daytime high of minus 2, a wind chill of minus 12, and an overnight low of minus 8 with a wind chill of minus 11.
Residents are reminded to exercise caution when out walking, driving, and cycling as conditions may continue to change across the transportation network.
Significant Weather Event Has Been Lifted
While we continue to clean up the minor impacts from this winter storm, the Significant Weather Event has been lifted.
Our response
The Public Works department is returning to a “Normal” posture.
The transportation network and City-owned parking lots have been treated and are in good condition this morning.
Forestry Services responded to approximately 15 service requests after-hours yesterday and into this morning, including broken limbs, trees on roadways and hanging branches. All reported issues have been addressed. Additional calls are anticipated over the next several days as ice accretion persists and wind gusts are forecast; crews remain prepared to respond.
Garbage and organics curbside collection is operating as usual today.
Minor localized power outages reported by each of Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One continue to be addressed. Traffic Operations and Traffic Management were monitoring the morning commute, and have deactivated the Traffic Incident Management Group.
Current flooding situation
The flood watches issued by the Rideau, South Nation, and Mississippi Conservation Authorities partners remain in effect. The levels on the Ottawa River are close to seasonal, with slight increases expected in the Ottawa area.
Although widespread flooding is not anticipated, water levels and flows on the Rideau River and smaller waterways will continue to increase. This may result in additional nuisance flooding in low-lying areas, including ditches, swales, stormwater features, and lands next to waterways. The Spring Freshet Task Force will continue to monitor conditions and take appropriate action. Information and guidance on current conditions, sandbags and links to forecasting partner websites can be found at Ottawa.ca on the Spring flooding page.
Next steps
The Public Works department will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day. Winter weather events have the potential to be highly impactful and I would like to thank the entire team for their hard work and dedication to ensure the continuity of City services that residents rely on.
