‘Major storm’ for Southern Quebec, avoid ‘non-essential travel’: Environment Canada

A major storm will enter Southern Quebec this afternoon and Environment Canada says, “close to 15 centimetres of snow, ice pellets and strong winds are expected this afternoon and tonight.” Adding to consider “postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”

The weather agency issuing a winter storm warning for the Montreal area and about 30 other regions of the province. The Laurentians could see up to 40 centimetres of snow.

“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.”

The Montreal-area could see about two centimetres of snow this afternoon with winds gusting 20 to 40 km/h.

They are calling for a brief period of freezing rain late tonight or early Wednesday morning before the precipitation fully changes to rain.

Snow and ice pellet amount could be 10 to 15 centimetres. Winds could reach 70 km/h this evening.

Temperature rising to zero by morning and 4°C by tomorrow afternoon.

“Montreal is about to be hit by a major storm,” said Philippe Sabourin, spokesperson for the City of Montreal at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. “One thing’s sure. It’s not going to be walking the park tomorrow morning. It’s going to be difficult to travel in town. So the best piece of advice would be to work from home or take the public transit tomorrow. The buses, the metro, will be a good way to navigate in town tomorrow.”

The city says they have 1,000 workers and 1,000 trucks ready to deal with the situation. “We will have to be agile because we’re expecting at first snow, there maybe drizzle, freezing rain and a lot of rain tomorrow. The good news is, tomorrow, with warmer temperatures, the salt will act quickly and will help to maintain the state of the sidewalks.”

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Sabourin adding that sidewalks will be their main focus. “We will do everything in order t ease the move of pedestrian tomorrow.”

The city’s priorities remain making sure that roadways are cleared for public transit, that every route that leads to a hospital or firefighters department is also accessible.

“The condition will be difficult tomorrow. It won’t be a walk in the park for everyone trying to commute in town tomorrow morning. So we’re concerned. We have enough employees, they’re well trained, our troops will be on the road. And if citizens can help the city, well park your car away from sidewalk, make sure there’s no obstruction on your sidewalks, and this way will be more efficient. If you have the possibility, park for a long or take the public transit.”

Sabourin saying they’ll maintain the clearing operation as long as it’s required. “We will have to adjust. It’s not clear yet if we’re going to have more freezing rain or freezing rain. We will have to adjust.”

A mix of sun and clouds to come Thursday and back to colder weather with -5°C expected.

There could be periods of snow on Friday night with flurries continuing Saturday.