Blizzard warnings can be issued when reduced visibility is expected to be 400 metres or less for at most four hours.
Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning in Ottawa due to heavy snowfall and strong winds.
The weather agency states visibility in many areas will be almost zero because of peak snowfall rates of 5 to 8 centimetres an hour Monday, January 17, 2022. Wind gusts up to 60 km/hr can cause blowing snow.
Between now and midnight, the worst conditions can be expected
Blizzard warnings can be issued when there is a significant reduction in visibility of 400m or less. These warnings are usually issued for at least four hours. Environment Canada states that travel will be difficult or almost impossible during the storm’s peak. Tree branches could also be broken by heavy snowfall.
If you are stuck in a vehicle due to a blizzard, it is a good idea not to get out. The vehicle provides some protection from the cold. It is more difficult to find a vehicle or car stranded in the snow if a single person walks through it. If you do travel and get lost, you should stay where you are until it passes. Keep warm and protected from cold and wind by staying inside or with your vehicle.
TRAFFIC WARNING #OttawaOPPWe advise all motorists to not travel on #Hwy416 & #Hwy417, zero visibility. If the location is unsafe or unsuitable for emergency crews, cars will not be towable out of ditches. STAY HOME! @511ONEastern @Ottawa_Traffic @OPP_COMM_ER ^jt pic.twitter.com/qCUhtKB1Lr
— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) January 17, 2022
These conditions are being created by a low pressure system located south of the Great Lakes.
Ottawa can expect between 25-40cm of snow by the end the day.
