Slow down, warns OPP, as snow falls over much of eastern Ontario
Ontario Provincial Police say they've been kept busy by a steady stream of minor traffic accidents as heavy snow falls over the region.
"We're just encouraging people as we always do, whenever we have a snow event, you know — see snow, go slow," said Bill Dickson, spokesperson for the OPP.
"I mean our traffic is hopefully very light anyway because people are being encouraged to stay at home."
Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Ottawa area, as well for Maniwaki, Que.
According to Ian Black, climatologist for CBC News Ottawa, the city could see between 15 and 25 centimetres of snow.
Eight centimetres of snow was already on the ground by 6 a.m. Saturday morning, Black said.
The temperature will remain steady around 0 C for much of the day.
Overnight parking ban planned for Ottawa
Ottawa will also enforce an overnight parking ban between 7 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. on Sunday, allowing crews to clean city streets unimpeded.
Those hours could be extended if additional time is needed.
Other parts of eastern Ontario, like Pembroke, Ont., can expect light precipitation with heavy snow mixed in, according to Environment Canada.
Kingston, Ont., will see grey clouds overhead, with a 60 per cent chance of flurries or drizzle in the forecast.
Tractor-trailer crashes
Dickson said OPP officers responded to a number of tractor-trailer collisions Saturday but none that led to injuries.
He said if people do need to travel, they should drive carefully and ensure their vehicle is cleared off, including the head and brake lights.
"In terms of speed limits, remember, those speed limits that are posted out there are for ideal conditions," he said.
"Today is by no means even close to ideal conditions."
