A widespread freezing rain event is causing significant disruptions across eastern Ontario and western Quebec this Wednesday, leading to school closures, cancelled bus routes, and hazardous travel conditions. Orange-level weather warnings are in effect for the Ottawa-Gatineau area, with officials anticipating potential utility outages and property damage as a prolonged period of ice accumulation takes hold.
The storm began impacting western portions of the region, including Pembroke and Bancroft, around 6 a.m. Wednesday, and reached downtown Ottawa by 8:30 a.m. Although Ottawa has largely seen rain so far, areas to the north and west are experiencing more substantial icing. The situation is prompting widespread caution and impacting daily life for residents across the region.
School boards have responded swiftly to the deteriorating conditions. All schools are closed in western Quebec and Renfrew County. Additional closures are reported north of Kingston-Belleville and for select private schools in the Outaouais region. Algonquin College has also cancelled in-person classes for the day. The only school buses currently operating are in the Kingston-Belleville area, where a rainfall warning is in effect instead of a freezing rain warning.
Travel is strongly discouraged. The Ottawa International Airport Authority reported approximately 50 flight cancellations as of 5:45 a.m. Wednesday, and Via Rail is warning of potential delays between Kingston and Quebec City. As of 11 a.m., there were no widespread power outages, though around 3,300 customers in the Bancroft area were without electricity.
Environment Canada is forecasting two to three centimetres of freezing rain for areas from Gatineau north to Maniwaki and east to Montreal. The rest of western Quebec and northern eastern Ontario, including Ottawa, could receive one to two centimetres of freezing rain. The agency notes that the amount of freezing rain doesn’t directly correlate to the amount of ice accumulation, as factors like temperature and surface conditions play a role. The Weather Network highlights the potential for a significant ice buildup, with some locales potentially experiencing freezing rain for 24 hours.
Similarities to the 2023 Ice Storm
The current storm bears striking similarities to the major ice storm that impacted the region in April 2023, according to Eric Tomlinson, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada. The Globe and Mail reports that the 2023 storm knocked out power to tens of thousands of customers in eastern Ontario, and Hydro Ottawa described it as the worst ice storm since 1998. Communities south of the current orange warning areas are expected to receive 20 to 40 millimetres of rain, while areas north and east of Kingston may see fluctuating precipitation between rain and freezing rain.
Preparing for the Storm
Authorities are urging residents to prepare for potential disruptions. The City of Ottawa recommends having emergency supplies, including non-perishable food and batteries, sufficient for three days. Vehicle preparedness is also emphasized, with recommendations to carry booster cables, a first aid kit, sand or kitty litter for traction, a flashlight, and blankets. Residents are also reminded to take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ongoing Cancellations and Closures
In addition to school closures, several other facilities have been impacted. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School, St. Martin of Tours Catholic School, North Hastings public schools, the North Addington Education Centre, and Clarendon Central Public School are closed north of Kingston-Belleville. Private school closures in the Outaouais include Collège St-Joseph in Hull, Collège Saint-Alexandre, and the Montessori School in Chelsea. The agriculture, aviation, and science museums, Camp Fortune and Edelweiss ski resorts, and Gatineau Park trail networks are all closed. Ottawa Public Library branches are closed Wednesday morning, and Gatineau has closed its Aylmer and Buckingham service centres due to staffing shortages.
As the storm continues to unfold, residents are advised to stay informed through official weather updates and heed the advice of local authorities. The situation remains dynamic, and further disruptions are possible.
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