Snowstorm set to bring white Christmas, slippery roads to eastern ...

Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings for the National Capital Region as heavy snowfall is expected Monday afternoon and into the night.

Ottawa and surrounding areas could see snowfall accumulation of up to 20 centimetres, and the national weather agency is warning of low visibility in areas of heavy snow as well as snow covered and icy roads.

The snow is expected to advance into eastern Ontario beginning Monday afternoon and become heavy at times in the evening with peak accumulation of two to three centimetres per hour.

It will taper off to flurries late in the night followed by a risk of freezing drizzle Tuesday morning, Environment Canada said.

Although the weather agency is still unsure where the heaviest snowfall may occur, it said most parts of the region can expect up to 15 centimetres of snow with 20 centimetres possible locally. Ottawa and Gatineau are expected to see 15 to 20 centimetres.

Motorists should expect hazardous driving conditions and "adjust travel plans accordingly," the agency added.

"The visibility will be obstructed," meteorologist Michelle Fleury told CBC. "But the good thing is there is not going to be that much wind, so we don't really expect blowing snow."

Snowfall warnings are in place for much of eastern Ontario, including Ottawa, while most of southwestern Quebec is under weather advisories.

In a social media post, the City of Ottawa said it's not calling a winter parking ban, but is asking people to avoid parking on the street if possible.

The City of Kingston announced that a parking ban will be in effect for Monday night. Parking on city streets will be prohibited between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m.

The City of Gatineau also has announced a parking ban, which will be in effect between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.

OPP Const. Michael Fathi said people should stay home if they don't need to be out, and to exercise caution if driving is necessary. Fathi also said to not pass snowplows working on the highway.

"We know nobody likes to get stuck behind them, but they're doing their job," Fathi said.