Ottawa experienced a record-setting winter for snow accumulation. As the weather continues to change, a yellow advisory for freezing drizzle has been lifted for Ottawa-Gatineau and most of eastern Ontario, but a new advisory has been issued for a wide swath of Northern Ontario, including the Greater Sudbury area.
The freezing drizzle advisory, which was issued at 3:07 a.m. on March 22, warns that light ice build-up will make surfaces icy and slippery. Environment Canada has indicated that freezing drizzle is expected to leave a thin glaze on untreated surfaces, posing risks for pedestrians and drivers alike.
The advisory is described as ‘moderate, localized and/or short-term,’ with hazardous weather that may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Cities including Kingston, Belleville, and Quinte West are outside the advisory but remain under a special weather statement for freezing rain or freezing drizzle.
As of 9:08 a.m., the yellow-level advisory for freezing drizzle ended for Greater Sudbury, but the impact level of the advisory remains moderate, with a high forecast confidence. The expected high temperature for the day is around 0°C, hovering near the freezing mark.
Environment Canada has advised the public to be very careful if walking or driving, as icy surfaces will likely form and could be difficult to detect. Travelers are urged to maintain slower speeds and exercise caution until conditions improve.
