December 30, 2025 — Ottawa residents are facing treacherous winter conditions as a powerful storm system continues to impact the region through Tuesday evening, bringing a dangerous mix of freezing rain, high winds, and the threat of snow squalls.
Current Conditions in the Capital
The National Capital Region has been hit with severe freezing rain since Monday, with Environment Canada warning that up to 15 millimetres of ice accretion is expected by Tuesday evening. This significant ice buildup is creating hazardous conditions on roads, sidewalks, and power infrastructure throughout Ottawa and surrounding areas.
Strong southwesterly winds reaching up to 70 km/h have been whipping through the city, making the already dangerous conditions even more treacherous. Exposed areas along the Ottawa River and throughout the region are experiencing particularly harsh conditions.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Impact
The storm has left thousands of residents across Ontario and Quebec without power as ice accumulates on power lines and tree branches. Utility crews are working around the clock to restore service, but the ongoing freezing rain continues to create new outages.
Local authorities are urging residents to stay indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary. If you must venture out, extreme caution is advised on all roadways, as black ice and slick surfaces have made driving conditions highly dangerous.
Snow Squalls Threaten Nearby Regions
While Ottawa is primarily dealing with freezing rain, dangerous snow squalls have been reported in regions north of Toronto, particularly around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. These intense, localized snowstorms can produce whiteout conditions with little warning, and similar conditions could potentially affect areas northwest of Ottawa.
Snow squalls are especially dangerous because they can reduce visibility to near zero within minutes and deposit significant amounts of snow in very short periods. Drivers in areas prone to snow squalls should be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
What Ottawa Residents Should Do
Stay Informed: Monitor Environment Canada weather alerts and local news for the latest updates on conditions in your area.
Avoid Travel: If possible, stay home until conditions improve. If you must travel, let someone know your route and expected arrival time.
Prepare for Outages: Have flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio on hand. Keep your phone charged in case of emergencies.
Check on Neighbors: Elderly neighbors and those with medical conditions may need assistance during power outages or when conditions make it difficult to leave home.
Clear Drains: If it’s safe to do so, clear ice from catch basins near your property to prevent flooding when temperatures rise.
Temperature Drop Coming
Adding to the challenging conditions, overnight temperatures are expected to plummet to around -17°C. This extreme cold following the ice storm will freeze any remaining precipitation solid, potentially creating dangerous ice layers that could persist for days.
The combination of ice accumulation, strong winds, and plunging temperatures makes this a particularly dangerous weather event for the Ottawa region.
Regional Impact
The storm system has caused widespread disruptions across eastern Ontario and Quebec. Montreal has experienced even stronger winds, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h. Transportation networks have been significantly affected, with dozens of flight delays and cancellations at Toronto’s Pearson Airport and Via Rail suspending morning train service on the Quebec City-Windsor corridor.
Stay Safe, Ottawa
This winter storm serves as a stark reminder of the power of Canadian winter weather. As Ottawa residents, we’re no strangers to harsh conditions, but this particular combination of freezing rain, high winds, and extreme cold requires extra vigilance.
Stay warm, stay safe, and check on your neighbors. Conditions are expected to improve by Wednesday, but until then, patience and caution are essential.
For the latest weather updates and warnings, visit Environment Canada’s website or follow local emergency management social media channels.
Have you been affected by the storm? Share your experiences and stay-safe tips in the comments below.
