Second major snowstorm in days slams Ottawa, prolonged cleanup expected

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Ottawa woke up to another round of heavy snowfall overnight and officials are urging people to stay off roads with conditions expected to remain hazardous.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for Ottawa and Gatineau with snow continuing today and into the evening. Some of the heaviest snowfall was seen in the morning and afternoon, Environment Canada says.

“Travel will be hazardous and is not recommended,” the weather service says.

“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.”

Environment Canada says 31 cm of snow had fallen at the Ottawa airport as of 3 p.m. on Sunday. About 18 cm of snowfall was recorded at the Gatineau airport.

About 8 cm was measured in the nation’s capital between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The forecaster says Ottawa could see another 15 to 25 cm of snowfall by the time the storm passes.

Conditions are expected to improve on Monday.

Expect delays to road clearing: City

The City of Ottawa says to expect delays in winter clearing operations as crews work to cleanup the snowfall accumulated from two major winter storms hitting the region in less than a week.

Ottawa received 32 cm of snow between Wednesday and Thursday.

“We know operations will be slow going today and residents are reminded to be patient and understand that it will be challenging to get around the city during this event and beyond,” the city said in a winter operations update.

Ottawa city roads manager Bryden Denyes told Newstalk 580 CFRA that crews worked through the night and cleared about 5 to 9 cm of snow spread across the city.

“Now what we’re really battling is the wind – it’s very windy out. It’s reducing visibility and in the rural areas, it’s creating whiteout conditions right now,” Denyes said.

Environment Canada says northeast winds of 40 km/h are gusting to 60 km/h, causing blowing and drifting snow in some areas.

An extended winter parking ban began at 10 a.m. and will be in place until further notice.

During a winter weather parking ban, only vehicles with a residential parking permit are allowed to park on city streets.

A full list of places to park during a parking ban can be found here.

Residents could be seen already starting to dig their cars and homes out as the snow kept coming down. At times, snowbanks took over the sidewalks and roadways, making it difficult for anyone to get around on foot or by car.

“It was really bad, the main roads are fine, but the local lanes really bad,” said Abdul Samir, who was driving in the storm.

Transportation disruptions

Service on the Line 1 O-Train operated on one track between Bayview and Lyon stations for a “short period” in the morning, causing possible delays for some customers, according to a memo from OC Transpo general manager Renée Amilcar.

Line 1 service is now operating normally. Lines 2 and 4 do not operate on Sundays.

Buses are operating on a regular weekend schedule.

“Across the O-Train network, our maintainers Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) and TransitNext are deploying all available resources to ensure snow is cleared from stations and track infrastructure, like switches, continue to function,” Amilcar said.

“Buses are operating as intended, but like everyone on the road, delays are expected due to poor weather conditions.”

Ottawa police have reported 33 collisions since 8 p.m. Saturday.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to 37 collisions in the Ottawa area since 6 a.m. Sunday. There were no injuries reported.

Around 30 flights out of the nation’s capital have either been delayed or cancelled, according to the Ottawa airport authority’s website.

Via Rail is warning of “significant delays” for trains operating between Toronto and Montreal because of frozen switches on the tracks.

OPP are reminding drivers to slow down and adjust to winter driving conditions on highways and roads.

“Visibility is reduced and road conditions are icy,” police say.

Ottawa weather

Snow at times heavy on Sunday with local blowing snow. Amount 15 to 25 cm. High -10 C. Wind chill near -22.

Periods of snow and blowing snow tonight. Amount 5 cm. Low -13 C. Wind chill near -23.

Monday will be mainly cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of flurries. High -10 C. Wind chill near -23. Cloudy periods in the evening. Low -18 C.

Tuesday shows a mix of sun and clouds with a high of -14 C.

Wednesday a mix of sun and clouds with a high of -14 C.

There is a 40 per cent chance of flurries on Thursday. High -11 C.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Natalie van Rooy