Freezing rain storm forecast starting Sunday night

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Saturday morning warning of a “long-lasting period of freezing rain” expected to begin Sunday evening and extend through to Monday afternoon.

Early forecasts indicate “10-15 mm” of freezing rain is expected for “Ottawa North, Kanata, Orleans.”

“Precipitation is expected to begin as freezing rain or ice pellets Sunday night,” the statement reads.

“Freezing rain is expected to persist most of the day Monday before changing to rain showers or flurries Monday afternoon. Freezing rain may be mixed with ice pellets at times.”

“Local utility outages are possible. Travel conditions are expected to be difficult. Ice-covered surfaces are likely.”

The statement noted there “remains some uncertainty regarding the track of the low pressure system (and) exact ice accretion amounts are somewhat uncertain.”

Hydro Ottawa confirmed on social media their emergency crews are on alert.

Residents are urged to charge their electronic devices and “make sure you have flashlights, fresh batteries, and a 72-hour supply of water and non-perishable food.”

Residents are also urged to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.