Severe winter weather, high winds cause thousands of power outages across Quebec
Posted January 27, 2025 9:03 am.
Last Updated January 27, 2025 9:51 pm.
Strong winds and heavy snow impacted southwestern Quebec – including Montreal – Monday afternoon, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h.
Environment Canada issued special weather statements for both Quebec and Ontario, warning that these conditions could cause local power outages and hazardous travel.
Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects to prevent damage from the winds.
In addition to the high winds, a snow squall watch has been issued for much of western and central Quebec.
Periods of heavy snow are expected to continue into Monday night, with the added risk of strong winds causing tree branches to break and tossing loose objects.
As the storm moves through, temperatures are forecast to plummet, with a cold front pushing an arctic air mass across the province.
This drastic drop in temperature, combined with the strong northwesterly winds, will make conditions bitterly cold, particularly in northern regions such as the James Bay area, where a winter storm watch has been issued. In these areas, heavy snow, blowing snow, and reduced visibility are anticipated.
Environment Canada warns that travel could be dangerous due to rapidly changing weather conditions and the possibility of near-zero visibility in snow squalls.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions as the storm unfolds.
Power outages
The intense weather caused thousands of power outages across the province, with some of the harder impacted areas being Montreal, Montérégie, Lanaudière, and Laurentians.
As of 8:15 p.m. 12,634 locations in Montreal reported a loss of power. In Montérégie, 22,889 locations were without power. While Laurentians and Lanaudière were each reporting around 15,000 locations without power.
By 9:47 p.m. some Hydro Quebec users had power. Reported power losses were down to 5,836 in Montreal, and 21,580 in Montérégie. Laurentians and Lanaudière hadn’t seen much change.
Temperatures in Montreal fluctuating
Montreal is expected to see highs -1°C on Monday, but feeling more like -11°C with the wind chill.
On Tuesday, temperatures falling to -12°C in the afternoon, but it could feel like -23°C in the morning.
Periods of snow expected on Wednesday, but sunshine returns on Thursday.
More snow likely on Friday as well and a high of -1°C.
