Winter storm warning issued for Ottawa, calling for up to 40 cm of snow this weekend

Just as Ottawa digs out from Thursday’s snow storm, the city is getting hit by another dump of snow. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

Ottawa’s one-day break from the snow will come to an end this afternoon, as a “highly impactful winter storm” is expected to bring 25 to 40 centimetres of snow to the city over the Family Day long weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for Ottawa, calling for 5 to 10 cm of snow today and up to 30 cm of snow on Sunday.

“A potent low-pressure system will bring another impactful winter storm to the area. Periods of snow will begin this afternoon, bringing general snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm by late this evening. Snow may become lighter tonight,” the weather agency said.

“Conditions will rapidly deteriorate Sunday morning as a more significant area of snow and blowing snow arrives. An additional 20 to 30 cm is likely.”

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The storm is expected to hit 48 hours after Mother Nature buried Ottawa under 32 centimetres of snow Wednesday night and Thursday.

Environment Canada warns the “rapidly accumulating snow” could make travel difficult on Sunday, with reduced visibility.

An extended winter parking ban will be in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday until further notice. The city says the extension of the standard parking ban is required to support winter maintenance operations as crews continue to clear roads from the last storm.

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

Ontario Provincial Police are urging people to cancel any “non-essential travel plans” this weekend.

“If you do have to be on the roads, adjust your driving. Slow down, leave extra distance and ensure you clear snow from your entire vehicle,” police said on X. “Make sure to check your tail and brake lights whenever you stop, as they tend to get covered as you drive.”

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Hydro Ottawa says the storm has the potential to bring down trees and branches that could cause power outages, with wind gusts forecasted to reach up to 75 km/h.

“Hydro Ottawa is monitoring the weather, and has crews on stand-by, ready to respond,” the company said in an email to customers.

Forecast

Environment Canada’s forecast calls for periods of snow to begin this afternoon. Amount 2 cm of snow. High -9 C with the wind chill making it feel like -19 this afternoon.

Periods of snow tonight. Amount 2 cm. Low -11 C.

Sunday will see snow at times heavy. Amount 15 to 25 cm. High -10 C.

It will be mainly cloudy on Monday with a 60 per cent chance of snow. High -9 C.

The outlook for Tuesday calls for mainly cloudy. High -10 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of -4 C and a low of -13 C.