Snowstorm blasts Ottawa with 38 cm of snow and counting

In the worst-case scenario, we could probably get as much snow today as you've had all winter so far," said Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips.

The Ottawa Airport had officially seen 38 cm by 11 a.m., eclipsing the record snowfall for Jan. 17 of 11.7 cm, set in 1972.

"We haven't seen anything (like this) this year. In the worst-case scenario, we could probably get as much snow today as you've had all winter so far," said Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips on CTV Morning Live.

Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning for Ottawa, after earlier issuing a winter storm warning. The weather agency is calling for 25 to 40 cm of snow. Some areas could see up to 50 cm of snow.

Heavy snow and strong winds are resulting in "widespread near-zero visibiltiies," the blizzard warning said. The worst conditions are expected until 12 p.m.