Snow, strong wind gusts coming to the nation’s capital

A low-pressure system from the Prairies is expected to bring snow to Ottawa on Wednesday.

According to Environment Canada, the Alberta Clipper, a fast-moving system from the Canadian Rockies, is passing through northern Ontario on Tuesday and will bring at least 5 centimetres of snow to the nation’s capital.

The weather agency issued a number of warnings for snow squalls to communities along Lake Superior.

“Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly,” the government’s website reads. “Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.”

The system, and lake effect snow, prompted Environment Canada to issue watches, warnings and statements to communities across Ontario. Ottawa is expected to face the storm by early Wednesday morning.

The weather forecast notes that clouds will accumulate overnight, with a temperature of -10 C due to wind chill. Snow will begin in the morning and gusts will develop over the day to around 40 km/h by noon. Wind chill will keep the temperature at -10 C on Wednesday.

Flurries are in the forecast for the rest of the week in the city.