Ottawa has recently experienced a record-setting winter for snow accumulation, but the weather is taking a new turn. A yellow advisory for freezing drizzle has been lifted for Ottawa-Gatineau and most of eastern Ontario, yet a new advisory has been issued for a wide swath of Northern Ontario, including the Greater Sudbury area.
The advisory warns that light ice build-up will make surfaces icy and slippery. Freezing drizzle is expected to leave a thin glaze on untreated surfaces, posing risks for pedestrians and drivers alike. Environment Canada describes the advisory as ‘moderate, localized and/or short-term’ with hazardous weather that may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts.
As of 3:07 a.m. on March 22, the freezing drizzle advisory was in effect, and it is expected to impact travel and daily activities. Cities such as Kingston, Belleville, and Quinte West remain outside the advisory but are under a special weather statement for freezing rain or freezing drizzle.
Environment Canada has issued a warning urging residents to be very careful if walking or driving, emphasizing that icy surfaces will likely form and could be difficult to detect. The impact level of the advisory is moderate, and the forecast confidence is high, indicating that conditions may not improve quickly.
Travelers are advised to maintain slower speeds and exercise caution until conditions improve. The high temperature for the day is expected to hover around 0°C, further complicating the situation.
As the situation develops, officials continue to monitor the weather closely. Observers are encouraged to stay updated on the latest advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.