All school buses in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario were canceled Thursday ahead of freezing rain this afternoon.

Both English and French school boards across the region have canceled buses today, but schools remain open.

On the other hand, the Canadian Environmental Agency issued a freezing rain warning for the Canadian capital Ottawa, with stormy weather expected to begin this afternoon.

Forecasts indicate ice accumulation of 2 to 5 mm before the freezing rain ends later this evening Thursday.

Meanwhile, the City of Ottawa said that precipitation may start as snow or ice pellets this afternoon before turning into freezing rain.

The municipality indicated that freezing rain is expected to persist for a long period in the Ottawa River.

It explained that freezing rain is expected to turn into rain tonight.

The city also said that surfaces such as highways, inner roads, walkways, and parking lots may become icy and slippery.

The city advised drivers to slow down in slippery conditions.

They also urged extreme caution and to ensure that rear lights are working and to maintain a safe following distance.

The city also said, be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.