Predicted freezing rain causes buses, exams to be canceled again

Many school transportation services in the region are canceled for the second day in a row due to forecast freezing rain, and some exams are also postponed.

Environment Canada says freezing rain is expected this morning, changing to rain or freezing rain mixed with snow this afternoon.

Significant ice accumulation of five to ten millimeters is expected to accumulate over several hours, creating conditions for dangerous travel and power outages.

Due to the forecasted weather conditions, the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA), Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario (STEO) and the Renfrew County Joint Transportation Consortium (RCJTC) have canceled bus service.

But the Ottawa School Transportation Consortium (CTSO) did not make such a broad announcement.

On social networksThe Ottawa-Carleton District School Board says this means no high school exams will take place today either.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board says exams that had already been postponed until today will now take place on Monday.

Environment Canada’s weather announcement comes as the city recovers from a night of freezing rain that forced similar cancellations yesterday, as well as the closure of the Rideau Canal skating rink just five days after it opened. a section.

Back-to-back storms create a unique challenge

Given the lack of recovery time from the previous storm, Environment Canada believes it is important to treat the ice that did not melt Thursday.

“It’s important to take time now, while the area is clear, to mitigate risks for tomorrow,” said Steven Flisfeder, warning preparedness meteorologist at Environment Canada.

In addition to the increased risk, tomorrow afternoon’s forecast calls for mixed precipitation, which can bring its own set of dangers.

“Any untreated surfaces with an extra layer of snow can become very slippery,” Flisfeder said. “You’re definitely going to want to take precautions in the afternoon.”