A freezing rain warning became a reality Wednesday afternoon as road conditions worsened and emergency crews reported a sudden pickup in the number of collisions.
Ottawa police say there were more than a dozen collisions within half an hour of area roads becoming increasingly slick. Several more crashes have been reported across the Ottawa River in Quebec. None were being reported as serious as of 3 p.m.
Fire officials say someone was trapped after a car crash on Greenbank Road around 5 p.m. By that time, more than 50 collisions had been reported across the city.
Ontario Provincial Police report westbound lanes on Highway 401 is closed westbound at Gananoque due to a tractor trailer crash.
Shoppers along Elgin Street tell CTV they are delaying heading home. Others say drivers aren't the only ones who have to be careful, sidewalks are also becoming treacherous to walk on.
Paramedics have confirmed receiving several 9-1-1 calls related injuries caused by falls.
Viewers report delays in public transit. And school buses had been cancelled by school boards across Eastern Ontario.
Montreal is also being hit by similar weather conditions.
Environment Canada has forecasted the freezing rain will continue well into the evening. It is expected to end around midnight.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
