Residents of Ottawa are being urged to prepare for hazardous travel conditions as Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, upgrading to an orange warning for freezing rain expected to begin late Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Details of the Winter Weather Alert
The national weather agency updated its forecast on the afternoon of Saturday, December 27, 2025, highlighting the risk of a significant freezing rain event. The warning indicates that precipitation will start as snow or ice pellets Sunday evening before transitioning to freezing rain overnight. This shift creates a high potential for ice accumulation on surfaces like roads, sidewalks, and power lines.
Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise extreme caution. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots may become icy and slippery. The freezing rain is anticipated to persist into the early hours of Monday, potentially affecting the morning commute.
Safety Precautions and Regional Context
Environment Canada recommends postponing non-essential travel once the freezing rain begins. If travel is necessary, drivers should reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, and be prepared for sudden changes in road conditions. The agency also warns of the possibility of utility outages due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines.
This alert for the national capital region comes amid a pattern of active winter weather across the country. The warning underscores the sudden and dangerous nature of freezing rain, which can coat surfaces in a transparent layer of ice, often referred to as "black ice," making it particularly treacherous.
Staying Informed
Officials encourage the public to monitor updated forecasts and alerts from Environment Canada. The orange warning is a mid-level alert, signifying a heightened degree of danger where weather conditions may pose a threat to public safety and property.
Residents should prepare for the storm by ensuring they have necessary supplies at home and allowing extra time for any travel plans on Sunday night and Monday morning. The City of Ottawa has also announced a citywide parking ban to begin Sunday morning, which may be extended due to the freezing rain conditions.
