Major storm system moving into Quebec

A massive storm system that is already causing travel chaos across parts of Canada and the U. S. moved into Quebec Thursday night, and is expected to bring a messy mix of heavy snow, pouring rain, freezing rain and powerful winds into the holiday weekend. 

• READ MORE: Schools in Greater Montreal closed Friday due to incoming winter storm

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued watches and warnings that stretch from Ontario all the way out toward Atlantic Canada.

Winter storm warnings are in effect north of the St. Lawrence for heavy snow and powerful winds. The region could see 20 to 40 centimetres of snow Thursday evening through Friday evening. With accumulation expected into the weekend some areas could see nearly 60 cm before the storm exits the region.

Strong winds, with gusts between 70 and 80 km/h will cause blowing snow and near zero visibility, making travel difficult.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin said Quebecers should prepare for the possibility of blackouts "for prolonged periods."

"Is it 10 per cent of the population? Is it more? Ultimately, everyone must be prepared for this possibility because Quebec will be hit with high winds everywhere," he said in an interview with The Canadian Press. "So, if we have outages, it could take longer to restore power."

Bégin said the strongest winds are expected east of Quebec City. Quebecers are being urged to keep emergency kits handy and keep electronic devices charged. 

The Montreal area is now under a snowfall warning with accumulations Thursday evening through Friday possibly exceeding 15 cm. The wet snow could cause tree branches to come down, and power outages are possible.

Snow will change to rain early Friday morning as temperatures soar.

But rain will change back to snow Friday afternoon as temperatures plummet. There could be isolated pockets of freezing rain during the rain to snow transition. 

The rapid temperature drop on Friday will cause very slick conditions and Montreal could see another five to 10 cm of accumulation Friday night. 

Strong winds and blowing snow will continue through the Christmas weekend.

With files from The Canadian Press

MONTREAL STORM WATCH

 

• Environment Canada weather alerts - southern Quebec
• Schools in Greater Montreal closed Friday due to winter storm
• STM bus line status
• Metro service updates
• Montreal-Trudeau Airport Departures | Arrivals
• Exo commuter train status
•  Via rail trains status
• City of Montreal snow removal, parking, towing
• Free parking spots
• My car was towed
• Laval snow removal operations
• Longueuil snow removal operations