Snowstorm expected to bury Ottawa with up to 40 cm of snow

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.

"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.

The storm will break the record for greatest snowfall on Jan. 17 in Ottawa. The record is 11.7 cm, set in 1972.