Ottawa got its first taste of winter weather on Sunday, with nearly 12 centimetres of snow falling, clogging roadways and interrupting the Canada Premier League championship game.
According to the Ottawa Weather Records X account, Ottawa’s 11.7 cm of snow was the largest accumulation for Nov. 9 since record keeping began in 1872.
The OPP East Region, which covers Ottawa and the surrounding region, said 19 collisions were reported on Sunday and early Monday, though none lead to serious injuries.
The snowfall created perfectly Canadian conditions for the CPL’s North Star Cup game as snowplows were needed to clear the soccer field at TD Place at the end of regulation play when the game between Atlético Ottawa and Cavalry FC of Calgary on Sunday went into extra time.
When Calgary scored in the 33rd minute, Atlético fans pelted the celebrating visitors with snowballs.
Ottawa would end up winning in extra time.
Other parts of eastern Ontario, including Cornwall, Brockville and Kingston, were under freezing rain warnings for most of Sunday. But the warnings ended later in the day as the mercury fell and the forecast called for a chance of flurries or snow.
Snowfall warnings were issued for many areas of eastern Quebec.
Environment Canada said motorists should adjust their travel plans due to difficult driving conditions. It said drivers should consider installing their winter tires.
In anticipation of the snowfall, the City of Toronto opened new shelter spaces for people experiencing homelessness as temperatures in the city were expected to plunge to -5 C on Sunday.
with files from the Canadian Press
