This morning, the stage was set for the arrival of spring: a gorgeous sunrise, grass peeking through melting snow, birds chirping—and then, entering stage left, is Environment Canada with a Special Weather Statement. Cue stage right: a Colorado Low. Perfect. Just perfect. Roads and Parking Services is in the orchestra pit, ready to conduct this system and ready to respond. Here’s hoping this it, Ottawa.
Forecast and conditions
Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the Ottawa Region. An extended period of freezing rain or freezing drizzle is expected to begin early Tuesday morning and then again Tuesday evening, with total amounts of 20 to 30 millimetres possible. There remains some uncertainty regarding the track of this system, and it is expected to come in two waves. The daytime high tomorrow is forecast at 2 degrees with an overnight low of minus 1. Temperatures are expected to rise well above the freezing mark on Wednesday, and freezing rain is expected to transition to straight rain.
With the recent mild weather, the ground and road surface temperatures have started to increase, which may reduce ice accretion on our transportation network surfaces.
Residents should allow extra time and are reminded to exercise caution when out walking, driving and cycling as the transportation network may become icy and slippery in the event of freezing rain.
Our response
The Roads and Parking Services team is ready! Supervisors will be monitoring the forecast and conditions of the transportation network overnight, throughout the morning and into the afternoon. Once the system moves in, crews will be deployed to treat sidewalks, priority roads, bus routes, the Transitway and the winter cycling network as required. Parks Maintenance will also be out treating emergency service stations, libraries and community centres as well as some City facility parking lots.
Next steps
Roads and Parking Services will monitor the transportation network and the forecast over the next 48 hours as advisories may be issued as the event moves into the region.
Depending on how this system tracks, an operational update may be required tomorrow.
Your continued support is appreciated. Please travel with care.
