Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Ottawa area, expecting 10 to 20 cm of snow throughout the day.
The warning covers Ottawa North, Kanata, and Orléans. Snowfall rates may reach two to five centimetres per hour, with the heaviest snow predicted in the late afternoon and evening.
Temperatures will drop to -3°C overnight, possibly causing the snow to mix with ice pellets.
The Ottawa Police Service advised drivers on X to exercise caution if travel is necessary during the snowfall.
"If you must be out on the roads, drive carefully."
In an update on X, the Ontario Provincial Police reported that from noon to 4 p.m., detachments across eastern Ontario responded to over 120 collisions. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, with most incidents involving vehicles sliding off the roads.
Significant snowfall is expected in the Ottawa region with hazardous driving conditions, prompting police warnings and numerous accident responses.
This early-season snowfall warning highlights the risk of heavy snow and slippery roads, urging drivers to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.