More snow expected for Ottawa region on Friday and Saturday

Thursday 6 p.m. weather update Here's your full local 6 p.m. forecast for Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.

The third winter storm of the week is taking aim at the Ottawa area, with 10 to 25 cm of snow expected in some parts of the region this weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm watch for Ottawa, calling for peak snowfall rates of 3 to 5 cm of snow on Friday night and Saturday.

"While the prospects for a winter storm are high, uncertainty exists regarding the exact track of this weather system," the weather agency said in a statement.

"The heaviest snowfall is expected Friday night. Snow in combination with gusty winds will result in areas of blowing snow and greatly reduced visibility. There's also a risk of a short period of freezing rain."

The winter storm watch is also in effect for Brockville, Prescott, Kemptville, Cornwall, Maxville, Alexandria, Morrisburg, Winchester, Prescott and Russell, Smiths Falls, Lanark and Renfrew, Pembroke and Barry's Bay areas. Environment Canada says areas could see 10 to 25 cm of snow.

Ottawa has already received 21 cm of snow this week, including 8 cm of snow on Tuesday night.

The forecast calls for a mainly cloudy day on Thursday with a 70 per cent chance of light snow in the afternoon. High minus 4 C, with the wind chill making it feel like minus 6 degrees.

Partly cloudy tonight with a 40 per cent chance of flurries. Low minus 12 C, with the wind chill making it feel like minus 17 overnight.

It's going to be sunny on Friday in the afternoon and snowy at night with a high of minus 7 C and a low of minus 8 C.

The forecast for Saturday calls for snow with a high of minus 1 C. The temperature will drop to minus 14 C Saturday night.

A mix of sun and cloud with 40 per cent chance of flurries is expected for Sunday with a high of minus5 C.

Tuesday's snowstorm triggered a weather alert by Environment Canada. The agency says 8.6 centimetres of snow was seen at the Ottawa Airport Wednesday night, less that what was predicted by forecasters.

The latest snowstorm caused OC Transpo and school bus delays. It also resulted in a parking ban on Wednesday issued by the city of Ottawa.

The city said on Tuesday its main focus will be on clearing and cleaning sidewalks, priority roads and the winter cycling network. Crews moved into residential neighbourhoods Wednesday morning.

With files from CTV News Ottawa's Josh Pringle