Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Ottawa region with total accumulations of 15 to 25 centimetres expected and peak snowfall rates of 3 to 5 centimetres per hour. That’s a lot of snow – and falling fast! Snow will begin this evening and quickly become heavy at times tonight, before transitioning to periods of light snow Saturday morning. Strong winds gusting up to 70 kilometres an hour, combined with heavy snow, will cause significantly reduced visibility at times.
Be prepared to adjust to the changing conditions of the transportation network. Take extra care when walking, driving or cycling in affected areas. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to quickly accumulating snow, and visibility may, at times, be suddenly reduced to near zero.
We encourage those who can to plan ahead today. Please complete errands and find off-street parking, as travel should be avoided unless it is essential.
With the current winter storm warming forecasted for this weekend I thought it would be a good time to revisit emergency preparedness.
Sometimes we don’t think about the things we need until it’s at the point where we actually need them. It’s crucial for residents to prioritize their safety by revisiting emergency preparedness measures. As we have experienced in the past winter storms can bring a host of challenges, from icy roads to power outages, making it essential to be well-prepared.
Be sure to have on hand an emergency kit with essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. Items that you can include are:
- Non-perishable food items
- Bottled water
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Batteries
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications and personal hygiene items
- Battery-powered radio
- Portable phone charger
For more information on how to prepare an emergency kit I invite residents to watch the following video produce by the City of Ottawa. As we brace ourselves for the upcoming winter storm, taking proactive steps will significantly contribute to your safety and well-being. Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility, and by staying informed and taking necessary precautions, we can better weather any storm.
How to stay in the loop
Ottawa Public Health (OPH), with support from the City, will release communications to help residents stay safe during a winter storm and cold weather. You can get up-to-date information on OPH’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
To receive weather notifications straight to your mobile device, Environment and Climate Change Canada has the WeatherCAN app that can be downloaded.
You can also visit OPH’s Cold Weather webpage for regularly updated information and resources, including who you can call for assistance, overnight shelter locations and where to find places to warm up.
Please remember to check in on neighbors and friends, when possible, who may require extra assistance during a storm. For more information on emergency preparedness residents can visit Ottawa.ca
