Residents in Pembroke, Ontario, are being urged to prepare for icy conditions as Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the area. A storm system is expected to bring freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and significant precipitation beginning early Tuesday morning, March 31, 2026, and continuing until early Wednesday morning, April 1, 2026.
The weather system, identified by meteorologists as a Colorado Low, is forecast to bring 20 to 40 millimetres of rain and freezing rain to the region. Officials note that the precipitation may arrive in two distinct waves, with a potential break in activity at some point during the day on Tuesday.
Local authorities are emphasizing safety as the icy conditions develop. The Ontario Provincial Police advise motorists to adjust their driving to the road conditions, allow for extra travel time, and keep extra space between vehicles. If weather conditions worsen, drivers are encouraged to consider postponing travel entirely.
The County of Renfrew maintains procedures for managing such events, including the declaration of a significant weather event if necessary. This process, which aligns with provincial maintenance standards, serves as a formal notice that road conditions may be difficult and that standard maintenance timelines are temporarily suspended until the event ends.
Residents should also be prepared for potential power outages caused by the freezing rain. The region has a history of major ice storms, including the significant event in January 1998 and a more recent storm in March 2025 that caused widespread power disruptions and significant insurance losses across Ontario and Quebec.
