Bundle Up, Ottawa — A Big Snowstorm Is Headed Our Way
Ottawa is set to get hit with heavy snow this Friday, with Environment Canada issuing warnings for the city and much of eastern Ontario as a significant winter storm tracks through the region.
The snowfall is expected to bring accumulations that could make for treacherous driving conditions, delayed transit, and the kind of morning commute that reminds you why you own a good winter coat — and maybe a snow brush you haven't buried under the back seat.
What to Expect
While exact totals can shift as the storm approaches, forecasters are warning residents across eastern Ontario to prepare for substantial accumulation. The snow is expected to arrive Friday and could persist into the afternoon or evening, depending on the storm's pace.
OC Transpo routes may see delays, so if you're planning to take the bus or LRT, build in extra time. School bus cancellations are also possible if conditions deteriorate overnight — keep an eye on your local school board's website or social channels Thursday evening.
Tips for Getting Through It
If you have to be out on the roads Friday, here's what Ottawa veterans already know:
- Leave early and slow down. Even plowed roads can be slick in active snowfall.
- Clear your full car, not just the windshield. Snow flying off your roof is a hazard (and a ticket).
- Check 511.ontario.ca before you head out for real-time road conditions across the city and eastern Ontario.
- Keep an emergency kit in the car — a small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, and a blanket are always smart in Ottawa winters.
Ottawa Winters: We're Used to This
Let's be honest — Ottawa gets hammered every winter, and this Friday is just the latest reminder that we live in one of the coldest capital cities in the world. The city's roads department will be deploying plows and salt trucks, but with heavy snowfall it can take time to catch up on residential streets and sidewalks.
If you're working from home, Friday might be a good day to skip the commute altogether. If you're heading out, give yourself plenty of extra time and maybe reward yourself with a hot coffee stop along the way — you've earned it.
Keep an eye on CBC Ottawa and follow Environment Canada's weather alerts for the latest updates as the storm approaches.
Source: CBC News Ottawa
