Ottawa Police are asking residents to avoid all non-essential travel as freezing rain could lead to 15 to 20 mm of ice accretion.
An orange level warning was issued by Environment Canada early Sunday morning saying “significant” freezing rain is expected to start in the afternoon or evening and continue into Monday morning.
The weather agency says freeing rain could change to drizzle late Monday morning as temperatures climb above 0 C, before flurries begin.
Roads and walkways will be treacherous and all non-essential travel is to be avoided. Expect regular commutes to take longer.
With significant ice accumulation, Environment Canada says prolonged utility outages can also be expected.
“Customers are encouraged to be prepared in case of extended power outages,” Hydro Ottawa says in an alert on its website. “Please ensure that electronics, such as cell phones and laptops, are fully charged, and that you have flashlights, batteries and a 72-hour supply of water, non-perishable food and medication as required.”
“Our crews are on standby and ready to respond safely and as quickly as possible.”
The status of outages can be found on the Hydro Ottawa outage map.
WEATHER ADVISORY: East Region OPP is advising motorists to take extra caution on the roads today and tomorrow as parts of the region is expected to experience a significant amount of freezing rain.
Motorists are reminded to:
➡️ Avoid non-essential travel
➡️ Clear snow and ice… pic.twitter.com/HX3Ue71fwd
— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) December 28, 2025