Snowfall warning issued for Ottawa as weather agency predicts up to 20 cm

Ottawa residents should expect strong winds and a dump of snow reaching 15 to 20 centimetres this weekend, says a snowfall warning issued by Environment Canada.

The snowfall is forecast to begin Saturday afternoon as a low-pressure system makes its way into eastern Ontario, the weather agency says.

“Snow will be heavy at times Saturday afternoon and evening,” Environment Canada cautioned.

“The snow will taper off to flurries Sunday morning.”

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On Saturday evening, people should also brace for strong winds gusting up to 50 km/h that “will create areas of blowing snow” and reduce visibility, the snowfall warning said.

“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” the weather agency said.

“Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.”

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Environment Canada urges residents to keep monitoring forecasts and alerts.