Teen takes dad’s car and ends up in ditch; OPP respond to nearly 40 crashes
Posted Feb 13, 2025 01:56:06 PM.
Last Updated Feb 13, 2025 03:27:45 PM.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region responded to just under 40 collisions between 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. this morning, with no serious injuries to note.
According to officials, they continue to hear about vehicles sliding into ditches and requiring assistance, as well as problems at some highway offramps with heavy accumulation and drifting snow.
The estimated 40 incidents were of drivers becoming stuck or vehicles broken down — causing traffic hazards, they added.
OPP highlighted one incident where a 15-year-old boy took his father’s vehicle for a spin, ending with the car in a ditch. No injuries were reported.
Weather alerts
According to Environment Canada, The Ottawa International Airport recorded 27 cm of snow by 9 a.m. this morning.
In an updated weather alert, Environment Canada said residents should expect an additional 5-10 cm snowfall this afternoon and near zero visibility at times in heavy snow and local blowing snow.
Those who have no choice but to drive must slow down and watch for snow drifts, as well as other vehicles, warned OPP.
“Keep those headlights turned on and make sure to clear snow from headlights and tail/brake lights,” they wrote on X.
While Ottawa has not seen this level of snowfall since 2022, the city is reminding residents this is not a typical storm and operations will take longer than usual.
According to the City of Ottawa, crews are fully deployed and working tirelessly to ensure priority roads, sidewalks, bus routes, the Transitway, and the winter cycling network are clear.
“Given the current condition of the transportation network and understanding operations are taking longer than usual, the Significant Weather Event remains in effect,” wrote the city on its website.
The city has reported that crews are progressing through the transportation network and residential clearing continues.
The city anticipates that multiple passes will be required to clear these conditions, added Bryden Denyes, Area Manager with Roads Services.
While snowfall is expected to end this afternoon, there is a risk of freezing drizzle and wind gusts that can cause blowing and drifting snow in open areas, noted the City of Ottawa.
“Conditions are hazardous and residents are reminded to stay home if they are able,” they wrote in a news release.
Residents who must travel are asked to give themselves added time and adjust to the conditions of the transportation network.
Ottawa responding to weather conditions
“Crews have been working nonstop overnight, with all resources deployed,” wrote Jake Gravelle, Urban, Roads and Parking Services with Public Works. “As we progress through the day, crews will continue to clear and treat sidewalks, arterial roads, and the winter cycling network.”
Crews moved into residential neighbourhoods later this morning and are continuing through this evening, treating and clearing streets.
Additionally, they are working to clear sidewalks and will switch to blowers in areas with higher accumulation due to blowing snow, noted the city.
Areas where blowers are used will require more time, as this type of equipment takes longer to clear sidewalk networks.
“Some areas are experiencing significant blowing and drifting snow, so it will take crews longer to get through the entire transportation network,” the municipality said.
According to the Hydro Ottawa website, one power outage has been reported — beginning at 2:23 p.m. near the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, and power is expected to be restored by 4:30 p.m.
Based on traffic camera’s across the city, highway conditions have improved. Click here to view traffic camera locations.
Winter weather parking ban in effect
A Winter Weather Parking Ban remains in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday evening, and a second winter parking ban will be in effect tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
As vehicles are removed from streets, this allows the Roads and Parking Services team to clear snow more efficiently, creating a wide-open roadway, explained Ottawa.
While the parking ban will be lifted this evening, the city is encouraging drivers to find alternative parking overnight to allow for more efficient snow clearing.
For updates on winter weather parking bans, residents can sign up for e-alerts or download the City of Ottawa app.
Residents with waste collection scheduled for tomorrow should place bins outside by 7 a.m. tomorrow, to prevent strong winds from tossing bins onto roadways or sidewalks.
Residents can stay up-to-date by visiting the city’s X, Facebook, or Instagram pages or by visiting the website.
“The Roads and Parking Services team will continue its work on reporting the transportation network,” wrote Gravelle. “Conditions are making things difficult to navigate, but rest assured, our operators are hard at work and doing everything they can to stay ahead of the storm.”
