Snowstorm smothering Ottawa area this morning, forcing more closures
All school buses and some classes cancelled, Ottawa's O-Train affected
The latest:
- 28 centimetres of snow at the Ottawa International Airport as of 10 a.m.
- Mail delivery and pickup is suspended across Ontario.
- Weather warnings have started to end.
Ottawa-Gatineau's in the midst of a significant snowstorm affecting travel and schools Thursday.
There were winter storm and snowfall warnings in place for all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec. They started ending in western parts of the region around 10:45 a.m.
Snow is expected to taper off in the afternoon in the rest of eastern Ontario and could end Thursday evening in western Quebec.
The Ottawa International Airport recorded 27 centimetres of snow by 9 a.m., according to Environment Canada. That makes it the biggest snowfall this season.
Timing-wise, the storm had started by 6 p.m. Wednesday at CFB Trenton and by 9 p.m. at the Ottawa airport.
Environment Canada meteorologist Trudy Kidd said this will be the biggest winter storm to hit Ottawa since nearly 48 centimetres fell on Jan. 17, 2022.
Cancellations and changes
Canada Post suspended mail delivery and collection throughout Ontario on Thursday due to the inclement weather.
Some schools took the rare precaution of closing Thursday: all four western Quebec school service centres, eastern Ontario's Upper Canada board, both English boards in Renfrew County and French boards CEPEO and CSDCEO.
No school buses are running in the region.
Algonquin College announced that in-person classes were cancelled on Thursday at all campuses. Loyalist College has also suspended in-person classes and activities.
Ottawa's O-Train has announced a few line and platform closures during the storm and commuters, including some CBC employees, experienced others.
OC Transpo has reduced bus service Thursday because of the forecast. It wasn't proactively cutting train service but said to expect delays.
Kingston has scaled back transit Thursday morning.
The City of Ottawa has winter parking bans in place for Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some city parking lots will be made available. Gatineau is putting in another ban from midnight to 6 a.m. Friday.
Many flights are affected at the Ottawa International Airport. Via Rail says the storm may delay trains.
Many services and businesses are choosing to open later Thursday or not at all.
Ottawa recreation and culture programs and services, including rentals, are cancelled on Thursday until at least 4 p.m., the city said. Its curbside garbage and recycling collection will not be affected.
Travel changes
Around 6 a.m. almost every major local roads was listed as snow-covered by Ontario and Quebec's transportation ministries. Visibility was affected by snow in many areas.
The situation started improving later in the morning.
Environment Canada recommends avoiding travel under eastern Ontario's winter storm warnings and to be ready to adjust driving styles elsewhere.
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.
Const. Shawn Peever with the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP said drivers should slow down, leave plenty of space between vehicles, clear their vehicles of snow and keep scrapers, washer fluid and a small shovel on hand.