Ottawa's Snowfall Warning Is Over — But Winter Had One Last Word
Ottawa woke up to a fresh layer of snow after Environment Canada issued and then lifted a snowfall warning for the National Capital Region. The warning, which had been in effect for the city and surrounding areas including Carleton University and parts of the Ottawa Valley, has officially ended — but not before the storm made its presence known across the capital.
For a city that's used to punishing winters, an April snowfall warning is still enough to raise eyebrows. Ottawa residents who had already packed away their shovels and switched their tires found themselves scrambling once again as the late-season system moved through the region.
What the Storm Brought
The system delivered accumulating snowfall across Ottawa and the surrounding region, coating roads, sidewalks, and parks in a fresh layer of white. While the exact totals varied by neighbourhood, the warning threshold — typically triggered when 15 cm or more of snow is expected within 12 hours, or 25 cm or more within 24 hours — was enough for meteorologists to flag the event as significant.
Ottawa's western neighbourhoods, along with communities stretching toward the Ottawa Valley, saw some of the heavier accumulations, consistent with how storm systems typically track through the region.
Getting Around Ottawa After the Storm
If you're heading out, give yourself extra time. Even after a warning lifts, road conditions can remain slick as temperatures fluctuate and plows work to clear arterial roads and side streets. OC Transpo buses may be running on modified schedules, so check the OC Transpo app or website before you head out.
For cyclists and pedestrians, the multi-use pathways along the Rideau Canal and other NCC-managed trails may be temporarily unpassable or slippery — use caution and stick to cleared sidewalks where possible.
A Reminder That Spring in Ottawa Plays by Its Own Rules
If you've lived in Ottawa for any length of time, you know the unwritten rule: don't declare winter over until at least May. The capital's location in the Ottawa Valley makes it susceptible to late-season snow events, and this week's warning is a timely reminder that spring here is always a negotiation.
That said, the forecast does show milder temperatures returning in the coming days, which should help melt the latest accumulation fairly quickly. Ottawa's famously variable spring weather means residents could be back in t-shirts by the weekend — that's just how it goes here.
What to Watch For
Environment Canada continues to monitor conditions across Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa region. Residents can check for updated alerts at weather.gc.ca or through the WeatherCAN app. If you're planning any outdoor activities or road trips in the coming days, it's worth keeping an eye on the forecast as systems continue to move through.
In the meantime, keep that snow brush within arm's reach — Ottawa's spring isn't quite done with us yet.
Source: Environment Canada via Google News Ottawa Weather
