Winter weather travel advisory in effect as Ottawa expects first notable snowfall

The first winter weather travel advisory of the season is in effect for Ottawa as the city's first dump of snow is expected this week.

While heavy snow was seen across Ontario and the Great Lakes in the last week, few places in the national capital region have seen more than a trace of snowfall.

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Environment Canada says a low pressure system will bring heavy snow at times to the area beginning Wednesday morning through Thursday morning.

Models suggest Ottawa could see up to 15 cm of snow this week.

"Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow," the advisory says. Visibility could also be poor at times due to heavy snow.

Last year, Ottawa's first trace of snow came on Oct. 30 and the first winter storm came on Dec. 4.

Wednesday's forecast shows “periods of snow” beginning in the morning, arounf 5 cm, met with 20 km/h winds gusting to 40 km/h near noon. High of minus 1 C. Snow is expected to continue through Wednesday evening, another 5 cm could be seen before midnight, with the temperature steady near minus 2 C.

Thursday calls for a 30 per cent chance of flurries. High of minus 2.

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By the end of the week, temperatures will drop below zero marking a cold shift in conditions.

There is a small chance of flurries throughout the weekend with daytime highs at minus 6 C on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Overnight lows are expected to stay below minus 10 C.

Snow squall watch for Kingston area

Parts of eastern and southern Ontario are under a snow squall watch on Tuesday.

The watch stretches along Lake Ontario and includes Belleville, Napanee, Prince Edward County and Kingston.

Environment Canada issued the advisory with local snow accumulation expected to peak at 20 cm and peak snowfall rates of 2 to 5 cm per hour.

"Lake effect snow squalls over Lake Ontario could move inland tonight and continue into Wednesday night. Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common," the forecaster said.

Environment Canada recommends postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

As a result of the forecasted weather Wednesday, transportation for schools in Kingston Trenton, Carleton Place, Merrickville, Kemptville, Brockville and for students in Prescott and Russell is cancelled. 

All schools in those regions remain open.