Heavy snowfall to blanket WC starting Sunday

WEST CARLETON – Get ready for West Carleton’s first big snowstorm of the season Sunday (Dec. 3).

“Heavy snowfall is expected late Sunday afternoon through Sunday night,” Environment Canada staff released in a statement today (Dec. 2). “This snowfall warning replaces the special weather statement previously in effect.”

Environment Canada expects roughly 15 to 20 centimetres to fall starting Sunday afternoon.

“Snow is forecast to begin Sunday afternoon,” Environment Canada said. “The snow is expected to become heavy Sunday evening and then continue through Sunday night before tapering to a few flurries Monday (Dec. 3) morning. Travel is expected to be significantly impacted and people are encouraged to monitor future forecasts for further details.”

Environment Canada says peak snowfall rates could reach two to four cm.

“Reduced visibility at times in heavy snow,” Environment Canada said. “Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.”

City staff say their ready.

“The Roads and Parking Services team is ready,”

Ottawa Roads and Parking Services, Public Works director Quentin Levesque wrote in a memo to council Friday (Dec. 1). “Over the next 48 hours, supervisors will monitor the forecast and the transportation network. Once accumulation starts, crews will be working on clearing and treating sidewalks, priority roads and our winter cycling network in accordance with the council-approved Maintenance Quality Standards. We are asking for patience as operations may take longer than normal as the snow is expected to be wet and heavy and crews adjust to the variable weather conditions.”