Cold warning in effect, snowfall warning issued for Sunday

Ottawa experienced its coldest temperatures in three years

A wave of frigid weather has crashed down upon Ottawa and Environment Canada has issued a pair of yellow warnings for the area.

A yellow warning – cold is currently in effect, warning of “very cold wind chills” that will continue into Sunday morning.

On Saturday afternoon, Environment Canada issued a second notice, a yellow warning – snowfall, cautioning of reduced visibility and blowing snow beginning on Sunday afternoon.

Yellow warning – snowfall

Environment Canada predicts 10 to 20 centimetres of snow in Ottawa beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Monday morning.

“Travel will likely be challenging. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” Environment Canada wrote.

Environment Canada says visibility may be reduced and the Monday morning commute may be impacted.

The organization advises travellers to allow for extra time.

Yellow warning - cold

Environment Canada issued a yellow warning - cold advising that extreme cold will continue into Sunday Morning.

Saturday’s temperatures reached a high of -21 C and the forecast predicts an overnight low of -29 C. The wind chill will near -30 this evening and -37 overnight.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes,” Environment Canada writes.

People who venture outside are advised to cover up, as frostbite can set in within minutes when skin is exposed.

“Check on older family, friends and neighbours. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside,” Environment Canada writes. “Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.”

• How to prevent and treat frostbite

The yellow warning - cold extends throughout most of Ontario, including eastern Ontario.

Shelters over capacity

Shelters across the city, including the Ottawa Mission and the Sheperds of Good Hope, are doing what they can to keep those without a home safe from the cold.

“We are over capacity as usual,” says Ann Van Welter, programming assistant manager at the Shepherds of Good Hope. “We have 250 beds at the shelter. We’re opening our drop-in program overnight as an emergency warming shelter,”

For those seeking shelter from the cold, the City of Ottawa has a list of places to warm up (excluding overnight shelters).

“Call 3-1-1 for assistance in finding an emergency overnight shelter best suited for someone’s needs and unique situation,” the City of Ottawa writes, also noting that 2-1-1 is available to call for help locating meals, drop-ins and other community programs.

Van Welter says its crucial to get people indoors during extreme cold weather.

“If we’re seeing people outside, we can call 311 to try and get them shelter placement. If we’re worried about people, it’s important to be calling 911 - if there’s a medical emergency,” says Van Welter.

Embracing the weather

Despite the -22 C temperatures on Saturday, some people were braving the cold weather to take on outdoor activities.

Jim Scott was on the Rideau Canal with his wife and neighbours on Saturday.

The group drove into the capital from New Hamburg, Ont. and he says their trip is all about embracing the season.

“What do you do in the wintertime? Stay indoors or get out and enjoy the events that we have here in our great country? Well, the Rideau Canal is a historic thing,” Jim says.

Scott said he wore multiple layers to fight the cold.

“It’s only cold if you’re out here without clothes on. It’s warm if you dress appropriately.” Jim said.

“We packed everything. Everything from snow pants, long underwear. Lots of layers,” says Scott’s wife Diana.

Looking ahead

While the temperature will only reach a low of -19 C on Sunday, the forecaster predicts a windchill of -34 in the morning, warming to -27 in the afternoon.

• Hourly and 7-day forecast on our CTVNewsOttawa.ca weather hub

The forecast also calls for snow on Sunday.

On Monday, expected periods of snow with a daytime high of -13 C.

Tuesday’s forecast predicts a 60 per cent chance of flurries with a high of -11 C.

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