You may have thought we were out of the woods for this winter season, but Mother Nature said, “Not so fast, Ottawa, I’m not done just yet!” We’ve got a spring storm on the way thanks to a Colorado low that is expected to bring rain and significant snowfall today and through the day on Thursday. Given the forecasted volume of snow overnight, there could be impacts on the morning commute.
Forecast and conditions
Environment Canada has issued a Snowfall Warning for the Ottawa Region. Rain is expected to slowly transition to snow late in the day, with 15 to 20 centimetres expected and peak snowfall rates of 2 to 4 centimetres per hour possible. Snow, which may be heavy at times, is expected to continue through the night before tapering off on Thursday.
Travel may be hazardous due to accumulating snow and reduced visibility during peak snowfall rates. If you are out, please adjust to the conditions of the transportation network and take extra care when walking, driving or cycling in affected areas.
Our response
The Roads and Parking Services team continue to operate 24/7 and we are ready! Supervisors will be out over the next 48 hours to monitor conditions. There remains uncertainty on the exact details of this spring storm and as such, our response will depend on the conditions. As the precipitation moves in, we will keep a close eye on sidewalks, roads, and the winter cycling network and deploy resources as needed.
Given the temperature will be very close to the freezing mark, the snow is expected to be wet and heavy. Please be patient, it will take crews time to get through the transportation network, but rest assured, they will be hard at work.
We are asking for anyone who can to please ensure that your local catch basin is clear and able to take in water. Find your nearest catch basin using our catch basin locator map. Need to report a blocked catch basin? Let us know!
Chief William Commanda Bridge
At this time, the Chief William Commanda Bridge will remain open. The Roads and Parking Services team will be monitoring the bridge closely, and if conditions become hazardous, it will be closed for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Next steps
Roads and Parking Services will continue to monitor this weather system and the transportation network throughout the evening and overnight.
