Environment Canada issues blizzard warning for Ottawa

A mix of heavy snow and strong wind conditions has Environment Canada issuing a blizzard warning for Ottawa.

The weather agency says visibility in many areas of the municipality will be near zero as peak snowfall rates could reach 5 to 8 centimetres (cm) per hour Monday, January 17, 2022. Residents can expect blowing snow due to winds gusting up to 60 km/hr.

The worst conditions are expected between now and 12 p.m. 

Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least four hours. Travel is expected to be difficult or nearly impossible at the storm's peak, according to Environment Canada. Heavy snowfall accumulation may also cause tree branches to break. 

Anyone who becomes stranded in a vehicle during a blizzard is encouraged not to leave. The vehicle offers a form of protection from the cold. A single person walking through the snow is harder to find than a stranded car or truck. If you do travel and become lost, remain where you are until the blizzard has passed. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle.

TRAFFIC WARNING: #OttawaOPP are advising all motorists to avoid travel on #Hwy416 & #Hwy417, zero visibility. Cars will not be towed out of ditches if location is unsafe for emergency crews. STAY HOME! @511ONEastern @Ottawa_Traffic @OPP_COMM_ER ^jt pic.twitter.com/qCUhtKB1Lr

— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) January 17, 2022

A low pressure system tracking south of the Great Lakes is currently bringing these conditions to the region. 

So…it’s snowing in the Capital pic.twitter.com/DQPbgrOIQK

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) January 17, 2022

Ottawa can expect between 25 and 40 cm of snow by the end of the day.