A major winter storm is set to impact the Ottawa-Gatineau region, with freezing rain expected to disrupt daily life significantly. Schools are closed, bus services are cancelled, and emergency warnings have been issued for the area.
Storm Details and Expected Impact
The freezing rainstorm is forecasted to begin early Wednesday and persist throughout the day. According to Environment Canada, the Ottawa-Gatineau area can expect two to three centimetres of freezing rain. Warnings have been issued for the potential of property damage and utility outages.
School and Transportation Disruptions
All schools in western Quebec and Renfrew County are closed due to the weather conditions. Some specific school closures include:
- Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School
- St. Martin of Tours Catholic School
- North Hastings public schools
- North Addington Education Centre
- Clarendon Central Public School
Only a few buses operate in the Kingston-Belleville area, where a rainfall warning is currently in effect. Relatively few private schools are also impacted, with closures reported at Collège St-Joseph in Hull, Collège Saint-Alexandre, and the Montessori School in Chelsea.
Flight Cancellations and Travel Warnings
Travel disruptions extend to air travel, as approximately 50 flights were cancelled at Ottawa International Airport by early morning. Via Rail has announced potential delays in services between Kingston and Quebec City.
Forecasted Conditions and Safety Precautions
The freezing rain warning covers an area from Gatineau to Maniwaki and easterly towards Montreal. Some regions may experience mixed precipitation, including rain and freezing rain. Areas north and east of Kingston could experience shifting weather conditions.
Temperatures are predicted to hover around freezing from Tuesday night through Thursday. Environment Canada has issued an orange-level warning, indicating severe weather that may cause substantial disruption.
Preparation Tips
The City of Ottawa encourages residents to prepare for the storm by gathering emergency supplies, including:
- Non-perishable food
- Batteries
- Booster cables
- First aid kit
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- A flashlight and blankets
Additionally, residents are advised to take precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning during severe weather conditions.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about school and travel updates through official channels and exercise caution during the freezing rainstorm.
