Ottawa is in for a snowy Friday, with Environment Canada issuing a special weather statement warning of heavy snow expected to hit the capital and much of eastern Ontario throughout the day. Gatineau, just across the river in Quebec, is also covered under the advisory, meaning the entire National Capital Region needs to buckle up.
What to Expect
The special weather statement flags heavy snow "at times" on Friday, which typically signals bursts of intense snowfall that can significantly reduce visibility and make road conditions treacherous in a short period. While exact accumulation totals weren't specified in the advisory, a special weather statement from Environment Canada is a heads-up that conditions could be disruptive enough to affect your commute and daily plans.
Prepare Before You Head Out
If you're driving in Ottawa on Friday, give yourself extra time and make sure your vehicle is winter-ready. Clear all snow from your car, not just the windshield, before hitting the road. OC Transpo routes may also experience delays, so check the app or website before leaving the house. For those working from home, it might be worth keeping an eye on conditions before committing to unnecessary travel.
Pedestrians and cyclists should also exercise caution. Ottawa sidewalks and multi-use paths can become slippery quickly during heavy snowfall events, particularly in the morning before city crews get a chance to clear them.
Ottawa in Late-Season Snow Mode
If you're thinking "wait, it's late March already". You're not wrong to be frustrated. Ottawa's winters have a well-earned reputation for hanging on a little too long, and late-season snowstorms are a familiar rite of passage for locals. The city's snow removal crews are experienced at responding quickly, but heavy bursts can still cause backlogs, especially on residential streets.
The City of Ottawa maintains a 311 service for residents to report snow clearing issues. You can also track plow activity via the city's online snow clearing map.
Gatineau Also Affected
Residents and commuters who cross between Ottawa and Gatineau should be especially mindful of bridge conditions. The Portage, Alexandra, and Chaudière bridges can become particularly slick during snowstorms, and traffic delays between the two cities are common when visibility drops.
Stay Updated
Conditions can change quickly with these late-winter systems, so it's worth checking the Environment Canada weather page or the Weather Network for updated forecasts as Friday approaches. Special weather statements can be upgraded to snowfall warnings if accumulations look more significant than initially expected.
Stay warm, Ottawa, and maybe prep those shovels the night before.
Source: CBC Ottawa / Environment Canada special weather statement.
