While the Montreal area has had some dustings of snow in recent weeks, residents be warned: this week, winter really is coming.

According to Environment Canada up to 15 centimetres is expected to fall on the Chateauguay-La Prairie, Laval, Longueuil-Varennes and Montreal island areas on Tuesday.

About 15 cm of snow could fall in and around Montreal on Tuesday, with 20 to 40 cm of snow falling in the Quebec City region, accompanied by stronger winds.

Essentially, the closer to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the more snow will fall and the worse conditions will be.

Special weather statements have been issued for much of the province warning people of heavy snow and strong winds which will reduce visibility drastically: if you can stay home, do so, otherwise be prepared to be driving in near-whiteout conditions.

 

 

 

The "clipper system" is going to bring snow into the Toronto and Great Lakes area on Monday evening, with snow beginning to fall in southern Quebec around 4 a.m. Tuesday.

Another 5 to 10 cm of snow could fall on Wednesday, with the added issue of wind gusts up to 60 km/h.

The region got a taste of what’s to come on Sunday morning with several centimetres falling.

Temperatures will be relatively mild as the snow falls, with the thermometer rising to -3C on Tuesday before dropping again. Thursday and Friday will see daytime highs around -11C.

The city of Montreal began plowing and salting streets, sidewalks, and bike paths on Sunday and continued doing so on Monday.