Snow blankets Ottawa with city vehicles out plowing, salting

It’s the first storm of the season promising a decent amount of snow for the nation’s capital.

Environment Canada predicts by the end of the day on Wednesday there could be about 10 centimetres of snow on the ground. In parts of the Ottawa Valley the totals could be between 5 to 10 centimetres.

The fast-moving system from the Canadian Rockies is bringing “hazardous” conditions and slick roadways.

The weather agency believes the snow will taper off by Thursday morning but there could be at least another 2 centimetres possible.

“Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance,” the government’s website notes.

Ottawa’s forecast shows that wind gusts will begin at 20 km/h and reach to 40 km/h later on Wednesday. The wind chill drops temperatures to around -10 C.

Slippery roads

Ottawa police say despite efforts to prepare motorists, there have been 15 reported collisions since 6:00 a.m.

City plows and vehicles are out for the first big snow event of the year, with the website noting the storm could be “Wicked.”

“The question is, will Mother Nature channel Glinda the Good Witch or the Wicked Witch of the West as she follows the yellow brick road to the Blizzard of Ottawa,” the roads and parking services team wrote.

There is no parking ban in place in the city.

The seasonal closure of the Chief William Commanda Bridge is in place due to the fact the city is not able to maintain it during the snowy season.

“To ensure the safety of residents, new gates have been installed to prevent access to the bridge, as well as signage identifying the closure,” the website reads.

A weather assessment from the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority notes that all buses and vans will be running for all boards in the city on Dec. 4.

Provincial police are asking people to slow down and give those in front extra distance. Officials also note people need to turn on the full headlight system (not just automatic) to make sure people behind can see the vehicle.

It never seems like winter until the snow arrives. #staywarm #staysafe #goslow #snowing #Ottawa #ottweather #winter pic.twitter.com/Z3ZZlaOkD2

— Lu Korte (@homewithlu) December 4, 2024