How to Prepare for an Ottawa Snow Storm This Winter
In February 2025, Ottawa recorded 31 cm of snowfall, followed by another 37 cm just days later. Schools closed and postal service shut down, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The next Ottawa snow storm is a question of when, not if. This guide shows where to check current warnings and snowfall, and how alerts and parking bans work. It also covers how to stay warm and powered if the lights go out, and what to do before, during and after a storm.
How to Check Current Ottawa Snow Storm Warnings and Snowfall
When snow is on the way, the first thing most people want is the current warning and the expected amount. ECCC issues the weather alerts for the region. The City of Ottawa handles plowing and parking rules, so it helps to check both.
What you want to know | Where to check |
Current warnings and expected snowfall | ECCC's Ottawa forecast page on weather.gc.ca, or the WeatherCAN app |
What the alert colour means | ECCC's guide to colour-coded weather alerts |
Whether a parking ban is in effect | The City of Ottawa's winter weather parking ban page, email alerts or the City app |
Power outages in your area | Hydro Ottawa's outage map, app or text service |
Start with ECCC's Ottawa forecast and alerts page. Any active warning appears at the top, along with the snowfall expected over the coming days.
ECCC now gives every alert a colour, as its guide to colour-coded weather alerts explains. The colour reflects the expected impact, and it moves from yellow to orange to red as the risk increases.
Color | What it means | How often |
Yellow | Hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption or health impacts | Most common |
Orange | Severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption or health impacts | Uncommon |
Red | Very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption | Rare |
The alert type tells you what kind of weather is coming:
Snowfall warning: Significant snowfall is expected.
Winter storm warning: Several types of severe winter weather are expected together.
Blizzard warning: Winds are expected to create blowing snow, cutting visibility to 400 metres or less.
Parking rules follow the forecast. Between November 15 and April 1, the City may declare a winter weather parking ban when 7 cm or more of snow is forecast. Overnight bans run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and daytime bans run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vehicles left on the street without a residential parking permit may be ticketed and towed.
Each alert level calls for a slightly different response. A winter storm warning in Canada comes with its own preparation and safety steps, so it pays to know them before the season starts.
Alerts give you time. How you use that time matters most if the power goes out.
Keeping Your Home Warm and Powered During a Storm Outage
Heavy snow, wind and ice can bring down power lines across Ottawa. Most gas furnaces, sump pumps and well pumps stop working without electricity. A plan for outages is as important as a shovel.
Hydro Ottawa lets you report an outage by phone, text or app, and its outage map shows affected areas. Restoration can take time after a major storm. The Hydro Ottawa power outage map is the quickest way to follow restoration updates for your area.
Safety comes first. Hydro Ottawa says to stay at least 10 metres from a downed line and call 9-1-1. Health Canada's carbon monoxide guidance says to run fuel generators outdoors only, at least 6 metres from buildings. A generator should connect to home wiring only through a professionally installed transfer device.
A home battery is the indoor alternative. The EcoFlow TITAN series stores power ahead of the storm and produces no exhaust. Home-circuit connections use the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 10 and should be installed by a qualified electrician under local codes.
Selected circuits might include the furnace, sump pump, fridge and lights. Whether a specific appliance runs depends on its power needs and how it is wired, so have an electrician confirm the setup.
The standard EcoFlow TITAN offers the same 120V/240V output with a smaller solar input.
Backup power covers the house while the grid is down. Recent winters show how often Ottawa needs that kind of preparation.
Ottawa Snow Storms: What Recent Winters Tell Us
Ottawa winters are reliably snowy. Big storms arrive most winters, often with wind and ice. The last few years give a clear picture of what a snow storm Ottawa residents face can look like.
Date | What happened | Source |
Feb 12 to 13, 2025 | 31 cm of snow. Schools closed and postal service shut down | ECCC |
Feb 15 to 17, 2025 | 37 cm of snow in the strongest of three storms that month | ECCC |
Mar 28 to 31, 2025 | 21 hours of freezing rain in Ottawa during a major Ontario ice storm | ECCC |
Jan 15 to 16, 2026 | Orange snowfall warning for 20 to 35 cm, the season's largest storm to that point | CTV News Ottawa |
Apr 5, 2023 | Ice storm interrupted power to 163,448 Hydro Ottawa customers, 45% of its customer base | Hydro Ottawa |
The February 2025 storms were significant enough to appear in ECCC's top ten weather stories of 2025. Two heavy snowfalls landed within a single week.
The table also shows that snow is only part of the risk. Freezing rain caused the largest outage on the list. Preparing for a snow storm vs an ice storm is different, because ice weighs down lines and branches in a way snow rarely does.
Past storms show what to expect. A short checklist turns that knowledge into action.
Before, During and After an Ottawa Snow Storm
Most storm problems can be avoided with a short checklist. Both ECCC and the City of Ottawa stress planning before the first flakes fall. The steps fall into three stages.
Before the Storm
Build or refresh an emergency kit with a flashlight, radio, first aid kit, blankets and ready-to-eat food.
Charge phones and backup power, and keep the vehicle's gas tank full.
Keep a shovel, a blanket and snacks in the car.
Move vehicles off the street when a parking ban is declared.
During the Storm
Stay indoors and off the roads when you can.
Keep your natural gas meter and appliance vents clear of snow and ice. The City of Ottawa notes this prevents dangerous carbon monoxide levels.
Tune in to local news radio for updates if the power is out.
After the Storm
Pace yourself when shovelling. ECCC warns that overexertion in the cold can trigger cardiac events.
Clear 0.5 metres around the nearest fire hydrant, as the City of Ottawa asks.
Check in on neighbours, friends and family, especially those who are vulnerable.
Watch for ice dams and heavy snow loads on the roof.
A kit is only the starting point. There are many ways to prepare for a winter power outage beyond the basics, from sealing drafts to planning how you will stay warm.
Conclusion
An Ottawa snow storm can bring 30 cm or more, along with wind, ice and power outages. Check ECCC's colour-coded alerts, sign up for parking ban notices and keep an emergency kit ready. Clear your vents and gas meter after every storm. For outages, the EcoFlow TITAN Plus and EcoFlow TITAN can keep selected essential circuits powered indoors, without fuel or exhaust. A qualified electrician can confirm the right setup for your home.
FAQs
How much snow does Ottawa get in a typical winter?
Totals vary from year to year, and single storms can be large. In February 2025, two storms brought 31 cm and 37 cm within a week. ECCC's Canadian Climate Normals list the long-term average for Ottawa.
When does Ottawa declare a winter parking ban?
Between November 15 and April 1, the City may declare one when 7 cm or more of snow is forecast. Overnight bans run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and daytime bans from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What is the difference between a snowfall warning and a winter storm warning?
A snowfall warning is issued for significant snowfall. A winter storm warning is issued when several types of severe winter weather are expected together.
How do I check for power outages during an Ottawa snow storm?
Use Hydro Ottawa's outage map or app. You can also report an outage by phone or text. If you see a downed line, stay at least 10 metres away and call 9-1-1.
How can I keep my furnace running during a winter power outage?
Most gas furnaces need electricity for the blower and controls. A backup source on a compatible furnace circuit can help. Have a qualified electrician confirm the connection, because many furnaces are hardwired.
What should be in a winter emergency kit?
ECCC suggests a flashlight, radio, first aid kit, blankets, extra clothing and ready-to-eat food. The City of Ottawa adds fresh batteries and a mobile phone charger.