Snow/Ice Weather Event – Spring 2025

From the City of Ottawa, compiled by the Ward 3 Office

Operations Update (March 29 - 11am)

How is it that March came in like a lion and it’s going out like a lion? That’s not how it’s supposed to be, right? Where’s the lamb? Whether it’s a lion or a lamb, the Roads and Parking Services team is ready to spring into action. And they did just that last night! Snow moved into the region as forecasted, and depending on what end of the city you are in, Ottawa received anywhere from 5 to 15 centimetres with higher amounts in localized areas. But it’s not over yet, after a break in precipitation today, a freezing rain event is on the way with ice pellets or freezing rain beginning early Sunday morning.

Forecast and conditions

Environment Canada’s Special Weather Statement remains in effect for the Ottawa region. A prolonged freezing rain event is expected to begin early Sunday morning and continue through to Sunday evening with ice accretion of 5 to 10 millimetres possible. A freezing rain warning may be required as the event draws near.

Be prepared to adjust to the changing conditions of the transportation network. Take extra care when walking, driving or cycling in affected areas. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.

Our response

Today, crews will continue to clear and treat sidewalks, priority roads and the winter cycling network. Across the city and where required, crews will move into residential neighbourhoods this morning to clear and treat streets. Supervisors will continue to monitor the conditions of the transportation network throughout the day and into the overnight.

As the freezing rain moves in early tomorrow morning, our focus will be monitoring changing conditions and treating sidewalks, priority roads, bus routes, the Transitway and the winter cycling network.

Next steps

The Roads and Parking Services team will keep a close eye on the forecast as a freezing rain warning may be issued as tomorrow’s event draws close. Meanwhile, supervisors will continue to monitor the transportation network over the next 36 hours, and another update will be provided tomorrow.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we adjust our operations to respond to this spring snow/ice weather event.

Hydro Ottawa prepares for potential outages ahead of spring ice storm (March 28 - 1pm)

Update (March 28, 2025 - 11am)