MONTREAL—A thick blanket of snow started to fall on Montreal Friday afternoon, however residents shouldn't worry too much about shovels as warm weather over the weekend will melt winter's unwelcome return.
Conditions were relatively dry Friday morning, but forecasters clung to predictions of 10 cm of snow mixed with ice pellets later in the day. While light snow was expected early, winter’s return was delayed until just after noon when flurries began to fall across the island.
Another five to 10 cm mixed with ice could still fall in the evening and through to Saturday.
The precipitation wouldn’t be considered particularly heavy for a winter storm, but could represent a challenge as many have removed their snow tires and the city’s streets are slick.
While no major accidents were reported in Montreal, the Surete du Quebec dealt with a different story north of the island as hundreds of cars skidded off the road in the Laurentians.
In Rawdon, an 81-year-old man fought for his life after a major crash earlier in the day.
A professional soccer game between the Montreal Impact and Columbus Crew scheduled for Saturday was delayed until Sunday—the teams will be playing in the open-air Saputo Stadium.
With 800 vehicles plowing and spreading salt, the City of Montreal estimates the cleanup from the storm at about $1 million.
