A "highly impactful winter storm" packing up to 40 centimetres of snow is set to wallop Ottawa and surrounding areas starting Wednesday evening, according to Environment Canada. The agency issued a winter storm warning for Ottawa-Gatineau at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, marking the upgrade from the previously issued winter storm watch. A separate warning was also declared for western Quebec.
Forecasters are predicting snow accumulation between 30 to 40 centimetres, with the storm potentially delivering snowfall rates of up to five centimetres per hour at its peak. Meteorologist Trudy Kidd from Environment Canada explained, this will be the most significant winter storm to hit Ottawa since 2022, when the city was blanketed with 47.8 centimetres of snow.
Preparing for the incoming storm, Bryden Denyes, the manager of road operations for the City of Ottawa, stated, "We'll be trying to keep the roads clear, sidewalks clear, everything open. It's really trying to deploy those resources as best we can." He noted city crews have been on standby, ready to swiftly respond to the challenges the storm may pose.
Environment Canada is advising residents to avoid highway travel during the storm. For those who must travel, they recommend informing someone of their plans beforehand, charging cell phones, and having essentials such as food, water, flashlights, medical supplies including medication, and first aid kits within reach.
Kidd also remarked, "It's a great idea to postpone travel, cancel it if possible. Go earlier, when the storm hasn't arrived yet, and be sure to be wherever you need to be before it hits," noting snowfall is forecast to begin around 6 p.m.
Const. Shawn Peever from the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP emphasized safe driving practices, urging motorists to slow down and maintain ample space between vehicles. He reiterated, "If you must go to whatever destination, giving yourself extra time and planning ahead is really important to do... you don't want to be in a rush, and we want people to be driving slower for sure, based on the conditions forecasted."
With numerous warnings and advice circulating, the emphasis on safety during this winter storm cannot be overstated as Ottawa braces for the considerable snowfall and its potential repercussions. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared to navigate the impending weather conditions responsibly.