OTTAWA -- A late winter storm on Wednesday dropped hail, freezing rain and several inches of snow on Canada's capital and nearby cities, slowing traffic and forcing flight cancellations.

The environment ministry said five to 20 centimeters (two to eight inches) of snow were expected in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal by the end of the day.

Bad weather already forced airlines to cancel flights in all three cities, and delayed the repatriation of the 79th Canadian soldier killed on Sunday in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Ontario Provincial Police counted 200 road accidents in the province, but no serious injuries.

Snowfall this season has been abundant. In Montreal, 2.9 meters (9.5 feet) has fallen. The record in 1970-71 was 3.8 meters (12.5 feet)

In Quebec City, 4.0 meters (13.0 feet) of snow have buried the city since the start of the winter season.