Up to 35 cm forecasted as powerful snowstorm blankets Ottawa
Posted Jan 15, 2026 09:12:00 AM.
Last Updated Jan 15, 2026 02:48:09 PM.
A large snowstorm is wreaking havoc across Ottawa and the rest of southern Ontario, prompting school bus cancellations and crashes.
The low-pressure system is bringing “significant” snowfall to most of the province. The nation’s capital is expected to see 20 to 35 centimetres before Friday morning. The sharp temperature drop overnight Wednesday contributed to the wintry system, and the wind is leading to blowing snow in parts of the city.
Temperatures are frigid, hovering around -14 C, but it feels like -22. It is forecasted that the windchill will drop the temperature to -27 overnight.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said they have responded to dozens of collisions since 5:00 a.m. on Thursday across eastern Ontario. Officials did say most were minor in nature.
“If you don’t HAVE to go anywhere today, it would be a good idea to stay off the roads,” police said in a release. “While there has not been a lot of accumulation, there has been a lot of drifting snow building up on some sections of most roads.”
The City of Ottawa declared a parking ban, which is in effect Jan. 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Friday. It is possible the ban could be extended depending on whether crews need additional time.
The municipality is asking everyone to remove their vehicle on streets. There are several places to park in the municipality overnight during bans, including OC Transpo park and rides, some recreation centres and city-owned garages.
Due to the storm, school buses were cancelled for students on Jan. 15 for the Ottawa Catholic School Board, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) and Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario.
All schools remain open despite no buses.
