A snowfall warning has ended after the first big blast of winter weather hit the capital with 17cm of snow falling by Monday afternoon.
The snow was accompanied by extreme northwest winds gusting from 50 to 70 km/h and led to reduced visibility for drivers.
Ottawa Police reported 73 collisions on Sunday followed by another 20 Monday morning.
The city of Ottawa staff were out salting and plowing roads, and urge drivers, cyclists, and people walking to use extreme caution outdoors. As well, drivers should give themselves extra time for their commute.
By midafternoon Sunday, companies that rely on winter weather were experiencing higher than normal calls for service.
“I’ve probably had about 100 phone calls already today, customers trying to get a last minute appointment,” said Crystal Karam, from Tire Changers in Ottawa.
The owner of Touch Plow and Metro snow & ice removal said his crews were set to start plowing more than 10-thousand customers - hoping to do so before 6a.m. on Monday.
“We’re chomping at the bit, this is what we do, this is what we practice for,” Ken Dale said. “We’ll be clearing out 10-thousand driveways right across Ottawa-Nepean.”
During the first big winter snowfall Ottawa Police tweeted out a reminder for drivers “to be winter ready”, asking people to slow down due to slippery and challenging road conditions.
