Orange Warning - Freezing Rain: Residents Advised to Prepare!

Gatineau, December 28, 2025. – Ville de Gatineau urges everyone to prepare for the freezing rain expected to start at 10 p.m. tonight. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an orange warning for freezing rain. Accumulations of 15 mm to 20 mm are forecast, depending on the sector, between this evening and tomorrow morning. The most critical period will be between 5 and 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Municipal road crews will do everything necessary to keep the roads safe. The public is asked to limit its travels and prepare for possible power outages.

Quick facts

●	An orange warning means that violent weather may cause significant damage, and health or other repercussions. Such repercussions may be major, general and/or last a few days.

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Residents are asked to adjust their plans for the coming days given that driving conditions may deteriorate overnight. Any unnecessary travel should be avoided and rescheduled for before or after the freezing rain. – If travel is unavoidable, be sure to have an emergency kit in your car that includes warm clothes and blankets. – As well, it would be advisable to consult quebec511.info/en before hitting the road.

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Ice melter will be spread before the freezing rain on the main arteries and collector streets. – Once the primary roads have been treated, crews will start spreading ice melter on side streets and sidewalks. – If more freezing rain falls while these operations are underway, crews will start over according to the priorities (main arteries, collectors and side streets).

●	Problem situations should be reported to the non-emergency call centre (311). Such situations include fallen branches obstructing roads.

A few safety tips in case of a power outage

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It is important to not run combustion equipment (heater, chainsaw, generator, etc.) indoors, even in well-ventilated areas. – Also, it is important to follow the generator manufacturer's instructions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. – Check whether the carbon monoxide detector in your home is working.

●	In the event of a longer power outage, it might be a good idea to contact family or friends who could put you up for a while. – You should also get in touch with any vulnerable people you know to make sure they are alright.

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Best practices include preparing an emergency kit with everything you need for at least 72 hours. The kit should include the following: – drinking water for consumption and sanitary needs; – non-perishable food; – gas for the snow blower or generator in case of a power outage; – dry wood for anyone with a fireplace in case of a power outage; – specific items such as prescription medication, baby formula or equipment for people with special needs; and – cash.

●	For additional tips, go to gatineau.ca/storm.

Associated links

Orange warning for freezing rain in Gatineau (Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Winter storm, freezing rain and extreme cold

How to prepare for an emergency

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