/ #snow 

Ottawa's first winter storm watch of the 2008-2009 season

Environment Canada issued a winter storm watch today, and it’s notable for two things:

  1. 15 cm of snow forecast for October

  2. the use of the word “humdinger”

Ottawa North - Kanata - Orléans

3:50 PM EDT Monday 27 October 2008

Winter storm watch for

Ottawa North - Kanata - Orléans issued

The first Major snow storm of the season likely late Tuesday and Tuesday night.

This is an alert to the potential development of dangerous winter weather conditions in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements.

Humdinger may not be a scientific term but it may very well sum up the weather that mother nature has in store for eastern Ontario. It appears a noreaster will be born just off the North Carolina coast this evening then intensify rapidly tonight and Tuesday before slicing through southwestern Québec Tuesday night.

In advance of this system an expanding area of significant rain will blossom across far eastern Ontario on Tuesday before changing to heavy wet snow in many areas by late afternoon or early evening.

In a swath from Ottawa through Renfrew to Algonquin significant heavy snow will likely set in late Tuesday and continue into Wednesday morning. Snowfall accumulations in excess of 15 centimetres are likely before it tapers off during the day Wednesday.

The rain will linger in the extreme east on Tuesday..From Cornwall to Hawkesbury..Where a rainfall warning is possible once the track of the heaviest rain becomes more certain. The rain will change to snow Tuesday night in this area.

Strong northwest winds of 50 gusting up to 70 km/h Tuesday night in combination with the snow will create hazardous driving conditions due to snow and blowing snow with low visibilities especially when the mercury edges just below the freezing mark. Also any residual leaves left on trees may create additional concerns of snow-laden limbs affecting power lines.

The storm track is still somewhat uncertain. Winter storm warnings and rainfall warnings will be issued as deemed appropriate as the situation unfolds.

** Related: ** Ottawa Weather Guide