Brace yourselves, Ottawa; the weather is going to get messy, and so will the transportation network, but the Roads and Parking Services team is on it!
Forecast and conditions
Environment Canada has issued a Flash Freeze Warning for the Ottawa region. Rain showers or periods of drizzle are expected to continue through this morning, and then temperatures will rapidly drop below the freezing mark this afternoon. Any ponding water or wet surfaces can freeze, creating icy and slippery conditions. Precipitation is then expected to transition over to snow with up to 5 centimetres possible. The wind will be 30 kilometres per hour gusting to 50 and may cause blowing and drifting snow this evening.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather. If you are travelling, please exercise caution by adjusting to the conditions of the transportation network.
Our response
Across the City and as the system transitions from rain to snow, supervisors will keep a close eye on sidewalks, roads, and the winter cycling network, and will deploy resources as needed.
We will continue to monitor areas that are prone to localized flooding and ensure 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 their 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!
Snow removal operations resume
The Roads and Parking Services team will resume full snow removal operations throughout the City today, and will continue to work 24/7 over the weekend and into next week.
Potholes
It’s that time of the year for freeze/thaw cycles, and what comes with this type of weather pattern? Potholes, of course! The Roads and Parking Services team has begun pothole repairs across the city. Crews were deployed today, and they will continue to work over the weekend and into next week. A more wholesome update will be provided to you next week on the planned activities and our response.
Next steps
Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor the transportation network over the next 24 hours and beyond to address icy and slippery conditions resulting from the frequent freeze/thaw cycles. Looking ahead to the forecast for the weekend and into the start of next week, the weather is stable, and temperatures are on the rise. Crews will continue their work on snow removal and potholes.
