Major winter storm expected to hit late Wednesday
Environment Canada predicts up to 40 cm of snow, urges motorists to avoid travel
A "highly impactful winter storm" is expected to hit the Ottawa-Gatineau area on Wednesday evening, according to Environment Canada.
On Tuesday morning, the weather agency upgraded a special weather statement to a winter storm watch covering most of the region. A winter storm warning was issued Tuesday afternoon for western Quebec.
Forecasters say between 20 and 40 centimetres snow is possible across most of eastern Ontario, except for communities along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario west of Cardinal. There's also a chance of blowing snow.
Western Quebec could see 20 to 35 centimetres of snow, including sudden, heavy bursts.
The rest of eastern Ontario can expect up to 15 centimetres of snow, changing to rain or freezing rain overnight. More snow could fall if the system shifts south, says Environment Canada.
The storm is expected to end Thursday afternoon for most of eastern Ontario and "late Thursday" in western Quebec.
Avoid travel if possible
Environment Canada recommends avoiding highway travel during the storm. Motorists who must travel should tell someone about their plans before setting out. They're also advised to charge their cell phones and have food, water, a flashlight and medical supplies including medication and a first aid kit on hand.
Ontario Provincial Police are asking drivers to slow down, leave plenty of space between vehicles, clear their vehicles of snow and keep scrapers, washer fluid and a small shovel on hand.
Motorists can check 511 in both Ontario and Quebec for the latest information on road conditions, including live cameras. Ontario's interactive map also shows where snowplows are.
The City of Ottawa's bylaw department said there will very likely be a winter weather parking ban in place Wednesday. Some city parking lots will be made available.
Forecasted highs Thursday range from 2 C in Kingston to –3 C in Ottawa and –5 C in Maniwaki.
Ottawa's snowfall record for Feb. 13 is 34.4 centimetres in 1993. The most snow recorded at the Ottawa International Airport over a two-day period this season was 20 centimetres in early December.