Schools closed, buses cancelled ahead of major snowstorm

Agencies managing school buses in the area are cancelling service because of a snowstorm that's expected to start around noon and last more than 24 hours.

• What's likely the biggest winter storm in years hits around noon

Up to 40 centimetres of snow is expected to fall on Ottawa, with wind gusts up to 60 km/h.

Closer to Kingston, less snow but stronger winds are in the forecast.

School buses are cancelled today:

• for English public and Catholic schools in Renfrew County,
• for theUpper Canada District School Board andCatholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario,
• for schools in the Kingston area managed by the Tri-Board bus service,
• and for French schools outside of Ottawa.

The Upper Canada District School Board andCatholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario have closed their schools and offices for the day.

Queen's University has cancelled all classes and activities on its campus that start after 12:30 p.m.

Schools are still open elsewhere.

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority said its buses are running, though parents and students should expect delays this afternoon.

Ottawa's French school buses are running as well.

There have been no updates for western Quebec schools.