Eastern Ontario OPP responds to over 120 collisions amid season’s first snowfall

Ottawa was hit with its first snowfall of the season, and drivers across the capital are preparing for tougher commutes. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Ottawa and forecasts between 10 to 20 centimeters of snow with a possibility of freezing rain and ice pellets on Sunday, and Ontario Provincial Police say they’ve responded to more than 120 collisions in Eastern Ontario.

The snowfall began Sunday morning and is expected to continue through the night, with the heaviest snowfall coming in the late afternoon.

Environment Canada says Ottawa, particularly in the areas south and east of the city, may also experience freezing rain and ice pellets in the evening.

Environment Canada warns that travel may be challenging and there will likely be reduced visibility.

Today’s temperature will reach a low of -3 C and a high of -1 C. The wind chill will be near -7 during the day.

As of 5:30 p.m., the Ottawa Airport International has reported five centimetres of snow.

Last year, the first trace of snow was recorded on Nov. 27 and on on Dec. 1, 2.2 centimetres of snow were recorded.

The snow is expected to continue into the week, with calls for flurries Monday through Friday.

Monday’s high is forecasted at 0 C.

Tuesday’s temperature is expected to reach a high of 1 C.

Over 120 collisions

East Region OPP say they responded to over 120 collisions between noon and 4 p.m. today.

“Most involved cars and trucks sliding off the road, others involved multiple vehicles,” OPP wrote in a post on social media.

According to OPP, there were no fatalities and none of the injuries suffered appeared life-threatening.

“If you must be on the roads for the rest of the day and overnight, please slow down and drive carefully. Leave extra following distance, no sudden maneuvers or braking and keep your eyes on the road ahead,” OPP wrote.

OPP say there have been temporary lane closures on Highway 417 and Highway 401.

Drivers in Ottawa say they’re bracing for the tough conditions the snowfall will continue to bring.

“It definitely feels early, with the first week of November and the second week of November,” Ottawa driver Jonathan Williams told CTV News Ottawa.

“I feel like I shouldn’t need to be getting winter tires on yet, but hopefully this is just a quick passing thing, and we get some more balmy weather. Then, when December rolls around, it can be more wintry.”

Williams says he had to do some garage cleanup ahead of the snow to make space for his vehicle, and he’ll be getting his winter tires on so that he can take on the snowy roads.

Bryden Denys, area manager with the City of Ottawa Road Serivces, recommends winter tires and cautious driving to deal with snowy road conditions.

“It’s really taking your time and driving to those conditions that are out there,” Denys said. “If you have your snow tires on, that’s good. If not, sooner than later hopefully. It is the first storm so be cautious as you get used to those conditions in the winter again.”

While this year’s snow arrived sooner in the season than last year, Denys says its not out of the ordinary to experience wintry weather at this time of the year.

“It is right around the start of our season, but it it’s not uncommon to have winter weather at this time,” Denys said. “As always, we’re prepared for it.”

With files from CTV’s Natalie van Rooy.

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