WEST CARLETON – Environment Canada is expecting 10 to 15 centimetres of snow starting New Year’s evening.

“Snow is forecast to develop north of Lake Ontario this evening (Jan. 1) and then spread eastward across the Ottawa Valley by midnight,” Environment Canada released in a statement this afternoon. “The snow will become heavy at times tonight, and travel may become difficult in some locations due to this rapidly accumulating snow.”

Total snowfall accumulations of 10 to 15 cm can be expected by the time the snow comes to an end Saturday (Jan. 2) morning.

“A Snowfall Warning may be required tonight if greater snowfall amounts appear likely,” Environment Canada said.

Because of the expected snow, the City of Ottawa has issued a winter weather parking ban for tomorrow (Jan. 2).

“Due to weather conditions, the winter weather parking ban will be in effect between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, across Ottawa,” city staff released in a statement today. “These hours might be extended if additional time is needed to complete winter road operations. Please avoid parking on any streets that are not cleared after 7 a.m.”

During a winter weather parking ban, parking is prohibited on city streets so crews can plow easily and effectively. Vehicles parked on the street during a ban may be ticketed and towed. On-street monthly parking permit holders are exempt from this restriction when they are parked in residential parking permit zones. Non permit holders can avoid fines by not parking on the street overnight. 

During winter weather parking bans, residents will have access to covered City-owned parking garages and select OC Transpo park and rides at no charge. Visit ottawa.ca for more information about which City facilities are available at no charge during winter weather parking bans.