Well, Ottawa, it’s March, and you know what that means, right? It’s that time of year when it’s still winter, but spring is on the way, and the forecast keeps us guessing. It can swing between sunshine, rain, and “maybe snow… maybe not,” and that’s just in one hour! It’s a good thing the Roads and Parking Services team is ready to adjust to the unpredictable weather that March has to offer!
Forecast and conditions
Starting tomorrow, the daytime temperatures are expected to rise well above freezing and remain mild through the weekend, with overnight lows hovering around zero. Showers transitioning to periods of rain are expected late Friday evening and will continue through the day Saturday, with up to 15 to 20 millimetres possible. Given the limited ability of the frozen ground to absorb water, the rain combined with melting snow may lead to localized flooding in low lying areas and water pooling on roads.
Melting snow and rain will make the transportation network wet and slippery, be prepared to adjust and take extra care when walking, driving or cycling in affected areas.
Our response
Across the City and as this system moves into the region, supervisors will keep a close eye on sidewalks, roads, and the winter cycling network, identify any areas of concern and deploy resources as needed. With the significant amount of rain on the way, the team will also be monitoring areas that are prone to localized flooding and address any water pooling by ensuring catch basins and ditches are open and able to take in water.
In preparation for this rain event, crews have been proactively opening up catch basins across the city as well as ditches in the rural areas. The team will be ready to mobilize over the weekend to address drainage issues that may occur as a result of the incoming rain. In the meantime, we are asking anyone who can to please ensure their local catch basin is clear and able to take in water. With over 100,000 catch basins in the city, we can’t 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(link is external)? Let us know!
Here’s what the team has been up to this week!
It’s been a busy time for the team. With spring on the horizon, and winter not quite done yet, crews have been out managing multiple operational activities at the same time. Snow removal is winding down in select areas of the city and will be wrapping up tomorrow. Both City and contractor crews have also been out working on temporary pothole repairs across the city. Recognizing the rain and warmer temperatures will wreak havoc on the transportation network, the team has decided to bring staff in over the weekend to fill potholes once the rain stops on Saturday. Since the beginning of this winter season, over 36,220 potholes have been filled! I am committed to keeping you informed about the team’s progress and will be providing regular updates in the coming weeks.
Next steps
The Roads and Parking Services team will continue to monitor this system as advisories may be issued as the event moves into the region.
Throughout the weekend, supervisors will also monitor the transportation network, and if required, deploy crews to address drainage issues.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we adjust our operations to respond to this winter rain event.
