Severe weather conditions have disrupted daily life in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, leading to multiple highway closures and widespread power outages. A snowstorm packed with blowing snow has caused significant challenges for residents and commuters.
Power Outages and Highway Closures
As of Tuesday morning, over 40,000 customers were without electricity across the region, as reported by Hydro One. The outages primarily affected areas in Ottawa and Québec.
- Highway 401: Several sections are closed due to severe weather and accidents. These locations include:
- Westbound from Palace Road to Centre Street near Napanee
- Westbound at Gardiners Road in Kingston
- Westbound at County Road 2 near Gananoque
- Eastbound from Gardiners Road to Camden East Road
- Highway Conditions: Authorities report snow-covered roads and poor visibility. Highways 7 and 416 are also affected, with partial snow cover.
Weather Warnings and Impacts
Environment Canada issued a snow squall warning for the Outaouais region south of Gracefield. Strong winds contributed to hazardous conditions, with gusts expected to reach up to 100 km/h in some areas.
- Wind warning in southern Prince Edward County
- Gusts near the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario may reach 80 km/h
Despite the severe weather, local school bus services remained operational, as no cancellations were reported on Tuesday.
Summary
The combination of heavy snowfall and high winds has created challenging conditions in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. Motorists are advised to exercise caution if traveling and stay updated on weather conditions.
