Canadians in Southern Ontario experienced a substantial rainstorm between the 10th and 11th this month, particularly hit hard in the country’s capital of Ottawa. It didn’t take long for streets and local parks to become flooded, with the ground being concrete-hard from the freezing temperatures. Local news outlets reported that surges of water prompted local drivers to be flooded, forcing authorities to assist in unconventional ways. Mid-way through the day, law enforcement was demanding that citizens remain home for their safety and avoid flooding at all costs. Before midnight, it’s estimated that more than 250 vehicle collisions had occurred in the Ottawa region.
The rainstorm didn’t end until late into the evening, which was immediately followed by a surge of freezing rain. It caused all the flooded parks and streets to be paved over in a thick blanket of ice. Road conditions began to change rapidly, and before midnight, individuals driving the Ottawa streets couldn’t be found. Weather warnings from Environment Canada didn’t end until the next morning, with landscapes looking like a tundra. Luckily, warming temperatures in the following days will allow the ground to thaw and consume substantial rainfall.
The Official Warning
Environment Canada provided an official statement to residents in Canada. They noted that the rain was expected to change into freezing rain and ice pellets, with potential damage to property. Their report expressed that by Sunday morning, the freezing rain would be replaced with light snow. Environment Canada proposed that 50-75mm of rain would fall, with an additional 5-10mm of freezing rain. Immediate warnings mentioned that the Roads, Highways, Parking Lots and Walkways would become like an ice rink. Environment Canada warned that elderly individuals should remain home at all costs. However, Hamilton to Guelph in the province of Ontario didn’t experience the storms influx. Ottawa was the main metropolis that felt the brunt of this storm.
News outlets in the Ottawa Region noted that Upper Valley was hit the hardest. Paramedics had an influx of calls from this area, indicating that numerous falls had occurred to citizens in Upper Valley. Slightly outside the region is the City of Gatineau, which experienced substantial damage as well. Crews were out creating sand beds in various areas, allowing for flooding to be dissipated in the downtown region. Overall, this was the worst storm Ontario had experienced this winter.
