Here we go again – Mother Nature still can’t quite make up her mind! We started the week with sunshine, moved over to freezing rain, and now snow is back in the forecast. That’s winter in Ottawa. As usual, the Roads and Parking Services team is fully prepared to respond to whatever these changing conditions bring!
Forecast and conditions
Snow beginning late this afternoon with a daytime high forecast to reach plus 1 degree with a wind chill near minus 5. Snow will continue through the evening and overnight and is expected to persist through Saturday morning with 5 to 10 centimetres possible. Winds at 20 kilometres per hour, gusting to 40 overnight causing blowing and drifting snow in open areas.
Given the timing of this event and accumulation amounts remain variable, we have decided not to call a Winter Weather Parking Ban. Please support our operations by finding off-street parking options. If you can, ask a friend or neighbour to share their laneway.
Our response
The team is ready! Supervisors will be monitoring the forecast and the conditions of the transportation network this afternoon and overnight. Once accumulation begins, crews will be deployed to clear and treat conditions on 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 centres as well as some City facility parking lots.
Operators are adapting their maintenance activities to the fluctuating weather patterns we have had over the last couple of weeks. Crews will be navigating snow clearing operations while being mindful of the soft ground to avoid damaging lawns which may result in longer completion times. We appreciate your patience as this work progresses.
Resident support is required
- 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.
- 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.
Next steps
Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor the forecast and the transportation network over the next 24 hours, and the team will respond accordingly.
I am committed to keeping you informed and another update will be provided tomorrow.
Thank you for your continued support and travel with care today.
