Snowfall warning closes schools in Montreal and surrounding areas

"I expect the back and forth and weather," says Montrealer Brian Breurer, about the drastic change in temperature. Environment Canada forecasting a roller coaster of weather, with rain and more snow to come. Felisha Adam reports.

By News Staff

Posted February 18, 2022 7:53 am.

Last Updated February 18, 2022 6:17 pm.

Snow and ice pellets pounded the greater Montreal area overnight, forcing many schools to close Friday.

Over 1,000 establishments shut their doors throughout the province.

City of Montreal workers have been out clearing the streets since last night, but conditions are still difficult for commuters.

“Snow began to fall in the evening period and then all of the other rain, the water on the ground, was freezing back. So a lot of slippery conditions this morning,” said Simon Legault, meteorologist, Environment Canada. “We reached close to 20cm of snow in the greater Montreal, so that’s really a mix of wintery conditions that are very difficult to have in the morning when you need to commute.”

#WATCH: Snow falling in downtown Montreal. Feeling like -16 with the wind chill this morning. Are you digging out or enjoying the snow day? pic.twitter.com/Swo8SrCCiL

— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) February 18, 2022

“Tomorrow is going to be colder than today. So, conditions won’t be improving for temperatures, but it’s going to be a calmer day today,” said the meteorologist.

Many Montrealers taking it all in stride.

“That’s Montreal for you, it’s expected. I’ve lived here my entire life, so I expect the back and forth in weather,” said on resident who got stuck in a spot and had to help another person with their car. “I saw her get into her car from the window.”

“It’s actually a good way to start my day, it’s very sunny, very good exercise. Yesterday I was jogging, now I’m shoveling—unreal,” said another Montrealer, as he cleared the snow from his car.

#WATCH: “It’s a good way to start the day,” says this Montrealer about the snow.

READ: https://t.co/ZC2svqfAAx pic.twitter.com/6YETLOhN03

— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) February 18, 2022

But the snow isn’t done yet – and neither is the rain.

“[Saturday] we could expect five to maybe up to 10cm [of snow] in the greater Montreal area. So a little bit of snow tomorrow as well. Maybe some [snow] again on Sunday with a second a third system,” added Legault. “Then we watch for next week, because in the middle of next week, there might be another strong system coming from the West that might bring some mixed precipitation again. So, we could see all kinds of weather. So maybe snow, maybe freezing rain again in the middle of next week.”

#WATCH: “We don’t expect any more snow,” says @environmentca meteorologist Simon Legault, after 20 centimetres of snow fell on the greater Montreal area Friday. But snow is coming the next days – he breaks down the weather systems on the way.

READ: https://t.co/ZC2svqfAAx pic.twitter.com/AQZ8wkONfK

— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) February 18, 2022

The following school boards and schools are closed Friday due to the weather:

English Montreal School Board (both youth and adult sector closed, head office also closed)
Eastern Townships School Board
Lester B. Pearson School Board
Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (daycare service open for regular users; workday for staff, telework encouraged)
Riverside School Board
New Frontiers School Board
Centre de services scolaire de Laval
Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys
Centre de services scolaire de Montreal
Centre de services scolaire des Patriotes
Centre de services scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’Île
Centre de services scolaire des Grandes Seigneuries
Centre de services scolaire de Saint-Hyacinthe
Centre de services scolaire des Affluents
Centre de services scolaire des Laurentides
Centre de services scolaire des Samares
Centre de services scolaire des Trois-Lacs