Winter storm warning in effect for Ottawa, up to 25cm expected

Just days after a winter storm brought a messy mix of snow, ice and rain to the nation’s capital, and we have another large system moving into the region.

Ottawa, Smiths Falls, and much of the surrounding areas are under a winter storm warning. Environment Canada is calling for snow to begin Friday night and continue into Saturday.

The City of Ottawa has issued a daytime weather parking ban on Saturday, January 13 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m..

For more information on the city’s winter weather parking ban standards, visit here.

Canada’s weather agency warns for heavy snow accumulations of 15 to 25 cm in our area and peak snowfall rates of 3 to 5 cm an hour. Some regions will experience blowing snow, strong wind gusts, and a possibly a short period of freezing rain.

While the prospect of a winter storm is very high, Environment Canada says there is some uncertainty regarding the exact track of this weather system.

The weather agency forecast it would end Saturday morning.

“The details of the track will greatly affect precipitation type and amounts at any given location. The heaviest snowfall is expected Friday night,” the weather agency said. “Snow in combination with gusty winds will result in areas of blowing snow and greatly reduced visibility.”

The current conditions and extended forecast for Ottawa can be found here.