The calendar says fall, but Mother Nature is delivering an early blast of winter weather to Ottawa.

The temperature dropped to -11.9C at 6 a.m. Thurs morning, setting the record for coldest November 15 in Ottawa history. The previous record of -11.7C was set in 1967.

Environment Canada is now warning the first significant snowfall of the season will blanket the region tonight and Friday. Ottawa could receive 10-to-15 cm of snow by Friday afternoon.

A special weather statement says a “low pressure system will track northward along the eastern Seaboard Thursday and Friday. Snow associated with this low will affect Eastern Ontario beginning Thursday evening.”

"It's nothing new to use," said Luc Gagne, Director of Roads and Parking Services for the City of Ottawa.

"We are prepared; we have our combination trucks that can plow and salt."

The so-called "Storm Troopers" will be deployed just before midnight and will remain on the roads throughout the night. A dayside team will take over Friday morning.

The City of Ottawa is asking drivers to avoid the roads if driving isn't necessary.

"If you the ability to possibly work from home, take advantage of those things," said Gagne.

"Less vehicles on the roads means we can get through the streets and sidewalks quicker."

With five weeks still left in fall, many drivers have been caught off guard.

"We get a lot of people calling this time of year wanting to get in," said Sandro Giaccone of Frisby Tire Co.

"We're going to get some snow so if you don't have snowtires on now, you're late."

Popular snow blower destination, Yarmand Tech was busy with customers throughout the day.

"Today was crazy," said Armand Yarmand.

"The phone was ringing, customers were walking in."

Yarmand says they brought in extra staff to help deal with the rush.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," said Yarmand.

"We have a backyard filled with snow blowers and we have a warehouse of snow blowers ready to be delivered."

Ottawa Police are advising drivers to be extra cautious and drive for the conditions. Constable Amy Gagnon says on average, officers respond to about 50 collisions a day but when there are slippery conditions, that number can double or triple.

"Plan ahead of time," said Gagnon.

"Give yourself more time for where you want to go, turn your lights on and be visible."

Police are also warning drivers that road conditions can change at any moment.

"Although a road may seem clear, all of a sudden you could have some black ice," said Gagnon.

"You have to keep braking distance, that 2 second rule, double it."

The snow is expected to end late Friday morning.