Temperatures could rise in Ottawa lowering ice build up, meteorologist says

An ice storm is expected in the nation’s capital on Wednesday, with officials warning it should ramp up by the evening.

Environment Canada issued a forecast calling for several systems to bring freezing rain to the city, with it possibly lasting up to 24 hours. Ice accretion is expected to be between 10 and 20 mm by the end. Light freezing rain created slick conditions during the morning commute and cancelled school buses across the region.

CityNews meteorologist Allister Aalders said there is some good news for the city on Wednesday.

“Temperatures are forecast to climb to and just above freezing later this afternoon and this evening, allowing the freezing rain to change to just rain. That should help in diminishing or melting some of that ice accretion,” he said.

However, Aalders warns that surfaces are still likely to be slippery and there is a potential for tree damage leading to power outages. This is because temperatures are expected to fall back below freezing on Thursday, he notes.

“So some of this ice buildup will remain and can cause further challenges,” he explained.

This spring storm is bringing up memories of a significant weather event the city experienced in April 2023, where the Ottawa International Airport recorded 40 mm of freezing rain. It caused widespread outages across the nation’s capital and left people in the dark for several days.

Aalders says forecasting for Wednesday’s storm is showing a lower ice accretion amount. Typically, less than 10 mm of freezing rain causes chaos on roadways with some isolated power outages, he said, but when amounts exceed that, there is more concern.

“With about 10 to 20 mm of total ice accretion, or ice build-up, expected in the Ottawa region we could certainly see these power outages occur on a more widespread scale with localized damage to trees in addition to slippery surfaces,” he said.

Police agencies are pleading with people to stay home if they can, warning of dangerous driving.

“Avoid unnecessary travel,” Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said in a statement. “In addition to ice build-up, watch for other hazards on the roads, such as tree limbs, trees or even power lines.”

An officer caught a stunt driver on Highway 417 just before 9:00 a.m.

“Freezing rain has started falling in Ottawa, but this driver thought it would be a good idea to drive 156km/h,” OPP said in a post.

The driver received an immediate 30-day driving suspension, a 14-day vehicle impound, and faces a $2,000 fine if convicted with six demerit points.

The City of Ottawa triggered its significant weather event protocols ahead of the looming storm, which allows more resources to be dedicated to salting roads and sidewalks. Officials from the municipality and Hydro Ottawa are asking people to prepare for power outages.

“Our crews are on standby and ready to respond safely and as quickly as possible,” the utility said in a note.