It looks like Mother Nature is headed to the Olympics and going for a gold medal in the Winter Weather event. Will she stand on the podium or miss it by just .26 centimetres? Only you, Ottawa, can be the judge. One thing is certain: the Roads and Parking Services team delivers a podium‑worthy, gold‑medal performance with pride—every. single. storm.
Forecast and conditions
Flurries this morning will transition to periods of snow this afternoon, continuing throughout the evening and overnight. Total accumulations of 5 to 10 centimetres are expected before snowfall tapers to flurries Saturday morning. Winds will become northwest at 30 kilometres per hour, gusting to 50 after midnight, causing blowing and drifting snow in open areas and a risk of snow squalls overnight. Temperatures will fall rapidly overnight to minus 18, with a wind chill near minus 27.
Residents are reminded to travel with caution as the transportation network may be slippery during the evening commute.
Our response
The team is ready! Supervisors will be monitoring the forecast and conditions of the transportation network through the day, into the evening and overnight. As the system moves into the region and accumulation begins, crews will be deployed to clear and treat sidewalks, priority roads, bus routes, the Transitway and the winter cycling network. Parks Maintenance will also be out clearing and treating emergency service stations, libraries and community centers as well as some City facility parking lots.
Snow removal operations will be paused. Resources dedicated to removing snowbanks will be reallocated to respond to this weather event and once the transportation network is restored, crews will be able to return to snow removal operations over the weekend.
Resident support is required
- Flashing blue lights means we are hard at work. If you see a sidewalk plow approaching, please step aside into an open driveway. Always remember to stay at least 3 car lengths behind our vehicles – please never pass our vehicles.
- You can support our operations by finding off-street parking options. If you can, please ask a friend or neighbour to share their laneway. When vehicles are removed from our streets, the Roads and Parking Services team can clear snow efficiently to create a wide-open roadway.
- Please help keep our streets clear and avoid shoveling snow onto the roadway, bike lanes, sidewalks, pathways and parks as it slows down our operations.
- With all that snow out there, it’s an exciting time to play, build snow forts and snowmen. It’s important children always do fun winter activities away from snowbanks along the road where our snowplow operators are working.
Next steps
Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor the transportation network and the forecast throughout the weekend, as weather advisories may be issued as the event moves into the region.
The team will be ready to respond as required and, depending on snowfall amounts, an operational update may be required tomorrow.
Your continued support is appreciated. Please travel with care.
