Ottawa, ON –
Eastern Ontario residents should brace for a winter wallop this weekend as snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain descend on the region. Ottawa is expected to receive up to 20 cm of snow starting Friday evening, followed by freezing rain that could create dangerous driving conditions and potential power outages.
According to Environment Canada, snow and ice pellets will begin Friday night, lasting into Saturday with accumulation ranging between 10 and 20 cm. By early Sunday, freezing rain could leave behind up to 10 mm of ice. Utility outages, slick roads, and tree damage from ice buildup are all possible. Drivers on Hwy 417 and other local routes should exercise caution and avoid travel during high-impact hours.
Wind gusts could reach 40 km/h Friday night into Saturday, reducing visibility and worsening the storm’s effects. Snow is expected to be heaviest overnight Friday, tapering to lighter flurries Saturday evening. Ottawa’s temperatures will hover near -2°C on Saturday and rise slightly to +1°C on Sunday before another drop to -11°C Monday night.
Extended Outlook:
- Saturday: Snow. High -2°C, flurries in evening.
- Sunday: Freezing rain or rain. High +1°C.
- Monday: Rain, flurries late. High +6°C, low -11°C.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high +1°C.
- Wednesday: Chance of flurries. High +3°C.
