Snowfall in Montreal slows removal operations, pothole repairs halted

Snow clearing efforts in Montreal are at 90 per cent complete as of Thursday morning – but they are still expected to take at least another four days.

Snow started to fall this morning and accumulations will range from 2 to 4 cm daytime. The high for today will reach plus 1°C, but the wind chill will make it feel like minus 7°C.

Tonight, periods of snow will continue, with flurries mixed with rain early this evening. An additional 2 cm of snow is expected. The temperature will drop to a low of minus 8°C, with a wind chill of minus 12°C overnight.

City of Montreal spokesperson Philippe Sabourin said on Thursday afternoon that they had to cancel the pothole repairs operation today because of the weather conditions, but promised, “We’ll be back on track as soon as possible.”

Progress in boroughs 

The three boroughs that have made the most progress in snow clearing are Pierrefonds-Roxboro at 100 per cent complete, Plateau Mont Royal at 96 per cent, and Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve at 90 per cent.

Those falling behind include: Outremont at 72 per cent snow clearing completed, Ahuntsic-Cartierville at 84 per cent, and Verdun at 80 per cent.

Weather forecast in Montreal

For Friday, sun and clouds and a high of minus 5°C, but more flurries expected at night.

Saturday, will bring more snow, with a high of minus 4°C. By evening, the skies will clear, and temperatures will drop to minus 19°C.

Sunday, is expected to be sunny, with a high of minus 11°C. Clear skies will continue into the night, with a low of minus 18°C.

Monday, will see sunny skies and a high of minus 7°C. Cloudy conditions will return at night, bringing a 30 per cent chance of flurries and a low of minus 8°C.