Environment Canada has identified hazardous weather for March 10, 2026. As a result, the City of Ottawa has declared a Significant Weather Event. This declaration suspends the Maintenance Quality Standards timelines required for our City to meet our winter maintenance objectives. The Roads and Parking Services team will be out maintaining the City’s sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network, but it will take longer than usual to restore them to regular conditions.
Please exercise caution when using City sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network. Freezing rain will make surfaces icy and could lead to power outages. Please prepare accordingly and avoid unnecessary travel.
At this time the City is not calling a Parking Ban, but we will inform residents should the situation change. Visit the winter storm page for the latest information.
Information shared by Hydro Ottawa
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for our region. With freezing rain forecast for this Wednesday, ice buildup on trees and power lines can cause branches to snap and lead to potential power outages.
If outages occur, an estimated time of restoration will be determined for each outage once damage has been assessed by our crews. The safety of our crews and the public remains our top priority. Our Outage Map is updated every 15 minutes as new information comes in from our crews.
If your power is out, you can report it online, via the Hydro Ottawa mobile app, by texting “OUT” to PWROUT (797688) or by calling our 24/7 outage line at 613-738-0188.
For your safety, if you spot a downed power line or come across a fallen tree/branch on a wire, never attempt to approach or move them yourself. Stay back – at least 10 metres away – and call 911 immediately, followed by Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-6400.
For a complete list of actions to take before, during, and after an outage, visit our guide here.