Ottawa

Freezing rain expected to hit eastern Ontario, western Quebec

In warnings issued Friday, Environment Canada said a "prolonged period" of freezing precipitation is expected north of the Ottawa River, while patchy and light freezing rain is expected to the south.

Could be a 'prolonged period' of freezing rain north of the Ottawa River

An icy car window with someone using a car scraper to remove the ice
Environment Canada has issued warnings across the region, with freezing precipitation expected to begin falling on Saturday. (Radio-Canada)

Environment Canada has issued freezing rain warnings for Saturday across western Quebec and much of eastern Ontario.

In warnings issued Friday, the weather agency first said a "prolonged period" of freezing precipitation is expected north of the Ottawa River.

Freezing rain there is expected to start midday Saturday and end overnight. 

Later Friday afternoon, another warning followed for a wide area south of the Ottawa River, including Ottawa, Cornwall, Prescott and Russell, Smiths Falls, Perth, Renfrew, Arnprior, Pembroke and further west past Deep River.

Patchy, light freezing rain is expected to begin Saturday morning, the weather agency said.

In Ottawa and further east, it's forecast to transition to freezing drizzle and could continue into Sunday morning. Further west and south, it's expected to end Saturday afternoon once temperatures rise above the freezing mark.

Environment Canada is reminding residents that roadways and walkways may become slippery.

"Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance," the agency said.