Ottawa is no stranger to late-season snowstorms, but this Friday's forecast is turning heads, a heavy snow event is set to blanket the Ottawa-Gatineau region, reminding locals that winter isn't quite done with us yet.
What's Coming
According to CBC, the Ottawa-Gatineau area is in for a significant dump of snow this Friday. While exact accumulation totals weren't specified in the initial report, a "heavy snow" designation from Environment Canada typically signals enough snowfall to cause real disruption, think slick roads, reduced visibility, and delays across the board.
Getting Around
If you're planning to drive Friday, give yourself extra time and make sure your vehicle is winter-ready. OC Transpo buses may experience delays, so checking the real-time app before heading out is always a smart move during storm conditions. The Transitway and LRT are generally more reliable in heavy snow, but platform conditions can still be slippery.
For those cycling or walking, yes, some of you are out there no matter what, expect sidewalks and pathways to be slower to clear, especially on the Quebec side of the river where municipal response times can vary by neighbourhood.
School and Work Impact
Keep an eye on the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) websites and social channels Friday morning. Both boards have been relatively quick to call snow days or shift to virtual learning during major storms this season. The same goes for parents in Gatineau with kids in the Commission scolaire des Portages-de-l'Outaouais system.
Many Ottawa workplaces have flexible work-from-home policies that make storm days easier to navigate than they used to be, now's the time to dust off that WFH setup if you haven't already.
Silver Lining
If you're a skier or snowshoer, a fresh dump of snow this late in March could be a welcome surprise. Gatineau Park's trails, while technically in late-season mode, could get a beautiful top-up that extends Nordic skiing conditions a little longer. Worth checking the NCC trail reports before you pack up your gear for the season.
Stay Safe Out There
Ottawa's snow removal crews are among the hardest-working in the country, but a heavy Friday storm means roads may lag behind for several hours after the snow stops. Prioritize safety, avoid unnecessary trips during peak snowfall, and check Environment Canada's weather alerts for the latest updates throughout the day.
Stay warm, Ottawa, spring is close, but it's not here yet.
Source: CBC Ottawa
