Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Ottawa region and as such, it is important to provide an update on the major weather system we currently are monitoring closely for late Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. This system has the potential to be an impactful winter storm with heavy snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain. How this weather system is tracking is still somewhat uncertain, and as a result, expected snowfall amounts and precipitation types may change over the next 12 to 24 hours.
It is anticipated that further warnings may be issued as this event draws nearer.
Our response in preparation for tomorrow’s event
As we progress through the day, crews will continue to clear and treat sidewalks, touch up arterial roads and work in residential areas to clean up and treat icy conditions leftover from yesterday’s event. They will also continue to focus on cleaning up any remaining problem areas such as bus stops, crosswalks, intersections, pedestrian islands, corners, and cul-de-sacs. The Roads and Parking Services team are getting prepared and will be ready to respond to tomorrow’s event!
Forecast and conditions
Significant snowfall is expected Tuesday, transitioning to freezing rain and rain for some areas overnight into Wednesday with strong winds causing potential whiteout conditions. The amount of snow will depend on how quickly precipitation changes to ice pellets or freezing rain, although 10 to 20 centimetres of snow is possible. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult.
We encourage those who can, to plan ahead today by completing their errands and to find off-street parking as travel should be limited unless it is essential. If you have to travel, please exercise extreme caution by adjusting to the conditions of the transportation network.
Next steps
The Roads and Parking Services team is monitoring this major weather system and the transportation network closely. Given the forecast remains fluid, we are prepared to adjust our response based on the changing conditions.
We will continue to update you on the status of this major winter event as the situation develops.
From Hydro Ottawa:
Information on tools and resources for Hydro One customers during a storm:
o Hydro One also has a number of innovative outage tools available for customers to report power outages and easily access updates when and how they want including outage text alerts. When an outage occurs, customers can report it by texting 92887 (WATTS), or by using the company's outage map and app, or calling 1-800-434-1235.
o We’re encouraging customers to prepare for an extended power outage. This includes restocking their emergency kit with items like water, nonperishable food and cash. Not being able to safely travel in these conditions makes it incredibly important to ensure you have the items your family needs to be without power for up to 72 hours.
o Below is a list of critical items to include in your emergency kit:
o Water and food that won't spoil for all family members, including pets
o A manual can opener
o Windup or battery-powered flashlight and radio
o Extra batteries
o Cash
o First aid kit and medical items
o Blankets
o Emergency numbers including Hydro One's outage line 1-800-434-1235
o Fully charged cellphone and a backup battery pack or a corded phone; a cordless phone will not work in a power outage
o Keep your emergency kit in a backpack and make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it.
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