Posted Feb 20, 2026 12:23:40 PM.
Last Updated Feb 20, 2026 12:23:46 PM.
The national weather agency is reminding people in Ottawa to turn on their lights and allow for extra time to travel on Friday afternoon.
The city is expecting up to 10 centimetres of snow to drop over the afternoon and into the evening, likely causing messy road conditions for commuters. Environment Canada notes in a special weather statement that reduced visibility is possible with the heavy snow.
“Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” it reads.
School buses in the nation’s capital were not cancelled on Feb. 20, but buses outside the city by Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario did not run.
Police are pleading with people to avoid travel if possible.
“Snow is expected to begin soon. Please avoid unnecessary travel. Leave extra distance to allow you to stop safely,” Ottawa police note.