Snowstorm hits Montreal-area

The snow continues to fall over the Montreal-area. Already over 25 centimetres and about five more expected before the flurries end this afternoon. High of -3, feeling more like -13 with the wind chill.

Blowing snow and wind causing difficult conditions on the morning commute.

“On average, there’s about 210 centimeters for the whole winter season. Montreal is up to 155 so far,” said meteorologist with CityNews 680 and Breakfast Television, Natasha Ramsahai. “So we’re inching close to sort of what the average annual snowfall is and it’s only the end of January.”

On Thursday, Montrealer Julia Larina was digging out her car for over 20 minutes.

“I love snow, but the disadvantage is having the car and parking it outside and downtown of Montreal,” she said.

For Ivan, down the street – shoveling the pathway to his condo’s garage was extensive.

” From11 last night to three this morning and then I started at eight this morning,” he said.

A grueling task, for some.

“Some cardio, but honestly, it’s hard,” said Larina.

Cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos says not to underestimate the task of snow clearing.

“Shoveling snow puts a significant strain on your body and we do observe that there are more heart attacks as a result of it,” he said. “Do it in stages, take breaks, don’t do it all at once, and if you can, invest in mechanical tools that make it easier.”

Snow clearing operations in Montreal have begun, with loading coming later this evening. Be aware of no parking signs for tonight, there are thousands of free parking spots that can be used the city says. They explain that it could take five days to fully remove all the snow, calling it the biggest snowstorm of the season so far and it’s third snow loading operation of the winter.

Priority is being given to clearing and salting Montreal’s of roads and sidewalks Thursday morning.

“You better be patient, because with 30 centimetres, we will need five days, more than five days to complete the loading operation,” Philippe Sabourin of the City of Montreal said. “Understand that we have to take care of a network composed by 10,000 kilometres – it’s 36 times, back and forth, Montreal to Quebec City.”

Transport Québec says it has plows out on the roads. They are asking drivers to make way for them and slow down – take extra precaution at exits, where there could be snow accumulation and it could be more slippery.

Downtown Montreal on Jan. 26. 2023. (CREDIT: CityNews)

Downtown Montreal on Jan. 26. 2023. (CREDIT: CityNews)

Some off-island and other schools more north of Montreal closed, with transportation cancelled at Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s Rawdon Elementary, Joliette Elementary, and Joliette High School. The establishments closed to students, but open to staff – although working from home is encouraged. The daycare at Rawdon remains open. All schools, centres, daycares closed for the Eastern Townships School Board.

Flights also delayed going to the U.S. and other destinations from Trudeau airport. Check your flight’s status before heading out.

An Environment Canada snowfall warning still in effect for:

• Châteauguay – La Prairie
• Laval
• Longueuil – Varennes
• Montreal Island area

Saint-Basile-le-Grand on Jan. 26. 2023. (CREDIT: Matt Tornabene/CityNews)

Saint-Basile-le-Grand on Jan. 26. 2023. (CREDIT: Matt Tornabene/CityNews)

For Friday, sunshine expected, but it’ll feel more like -16 degrees. Cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of flurries on Saturday, but temperatures climbing to plus 2 degrees. More snow Sunday and Monday, -5 and -10 expected. Sun and clouds as we end of January on Tuesday and start February on Wednesday. Highs of -10 and -8 degrees.

“There’s at least the potential for 20 to 30 extra centimeters of snow in the next seven days alone,” said Ramsahai.