'Near zero' visibility possible in Ottawa Sunday evening as snow falls

A snow squall watch is in effect for Ottawa Sunday, with forecasters saying heavy snow could reduce visibility at times.

A snow squall warning is in effect for Ottawa Sunday, with forecasters saying heavy snow could reduce visibility to "near zero."

"Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations," Environment Canada said.

"Snow squall warnings are issued when brief but intense bursts of heavy snow will produce near zero visibilities."

Environment Canada issued a snow squall watch on Sunday morning, which was upgraded to a warning in the late afternoon. The weather forecast for the penultimate day of Winterlude calls for a few flurries in the morning and snow squalls in the afternoon on Sunday with clouds and a high of -2 C.

We're expecting around 5 centimetres of snow Sunday. Another 2 to 4 cm of snow is expected Sunday night with a risk of blowing snow. The overnight low is -15 C.

The National Capital Commission has announced that the Rideau Canal Skateway will close at 6 p.m. this evening only hours after a section between Bank Street and the Pretoria Bridge opened at noon. The overnight snowfall prevented crews from additional flooding of the ice surface and the NCC warned of very poor ice conditions.

"We recommend walking over skating," the NCC said Sunday morning.