Winter storm hits Ottawa with 'significant snowfall' expected
CTV
Snow began falling across Ottawa Wednesday afternoon as a Texas low moved into the region. Environment Canada says Ottawa could see up to 20 cm of snow by Thursday afternoon.
A major winter storm rolled into Ottawa Wednesday evening, covering the roads with a fresh blanket of snow and disrupting travel by car, bus and airplane.
A snowfall warning is in effect, calling for 15 to 20 cm of snow and reduced visibility due to heavy snow over the next 24 hours.
"A Texas low will bring heavy snow to the area beginning late this afternoon. Heavy snow will taper off to flurries Thursday afternoon," Environment Canada said in a statement.
"There will be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions."
The storm moved into Ottawa during the afternoon commute, and by 9 p.m. roads across the city were covered by several centimetres of snow. Police urged motorists to adjust their speed to the conditions and only travel if it's necessary.
Emergency crews responded to a call for a snowplow that rolled over into a ditch on Boundary Road at Hwy. 417 Wednesday evening. Firefighters extricated the trapped driver from the cab of the plow.
At the Ottawa Airport, several flights had been delayed or cancelled due to the snow in Ottawa and in Toronto, where 25 per cent of flights had been cancelled at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.
