Winter storm could bring up to 25 cm of snow to Ottawa this weekend

The third winter storm in a week is taking aim at Ottawa, with up to 25 centimetres of snow expected Friday night and on Saturday. Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for Ottawa, calling for peak snowfall rates of 3 to 5 cm per hour Friday night. "Snow is forecast to begin this evening and will quickly become heavy at times tonight, before transitioning to periods of light snow Saturday morning," the weather agency said in a statement.

"Strong easterly winds gusting up to 70 km/h will combine with this heavy snow to cause significantly reduced visibility at times." Environment Canada warns highways, roads and sidewalks "may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow." "Consider postponing non essential travel until conditions improve." Environment Canada says snow should begin around 9 p.m.

Friday, with snow heavy at times Saturday morning. A total of 5 to 10 cm of snow is expected overnight, with another 5 cm of snow on Saturday. Ottawa received 8.6 cm of snow, followed by freezing rain and rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. Last weekend, Ottawa received 12.8 cm of snow. The winter storm warning stretches from the Toronto area to the Ottawa Valley.

Environment Canada says the Brockville, Prescott and Westport areas could see 10 to 20 cm of snow, while Kemptville, Merrickville, Prescott Russell area, Cornwall and Winchester areas could see 15 to 25 cm of snow. Environment Canada's winter storm warning for the Ottawa Valley calls for 15 to 30 cm of snow possible for Renfrew, Pembroke, Barry's Bay areas on Friday night and Saturday.

Environment Canada's forecast calls for sunshine on Friday. High minus 6 C, with the wind chill making it feel like minus 11 degrees in the afternoon. Snow at times heavy overnight. Low minus 6 C, with the temperature rising to minus 2 C by morning. Snow continuing on Saturday, with blowing snow expected.

Winds gusting to 60 km/h by 12 p.m. High plus 1 C. Sunday will be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of flurries .High minus 9 C. The outlook for Monday calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of flurries. High minus 8 C. Tuesday's forecast predicts a mix of sun and cloud with a high of minus 8 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of minus 6 C and a low of minus 16 C..