Winter storm blankets several areas of Quebec, including Montreal
Get those shovels ready, because a whole lot of snow has hit Quebec.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a winter storm warning on Sunday for the Greater Montreal Area with as much as 25 centimetres of snow expected in total.
After a dump of snow Monday morning, another five to 10 centimetres of snow are expected Monday afternoon before tapering off to flurries in the evening, ending at midnight.
- IN PICTURES: Major winter snowstorm wallops Montreal
The snow started falling Monday morning, and ECCC warns that strong winds are accompanying that snow, making visibility near zero.
“The snow is falling at a pretty steady rate and we've also got gusty winds creating blowing snow and reducing visibility on the roads,” said CTV weather specialist Lori Graham. “Of course winds are a factor and that's reduced visibility at times to about 400 metres in some areas.”
Winds from the northeast are blowing at 40 kilometres per hour, gusting close to 60 km/h, making the -5 Celsius temperature feel more like -16 C.
"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow," ECCC wrote.
Another round of snow is on the way for Wednesday, with about five centimetres expected for Montreal.
A man pushes a stroller during a winter snowstorm in Montreal on Monday, January 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
A man pushes a stroller during a winter snowstorm in Montreal on Monday, January 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
SNOW CLEARING IN MONTREAL
A snow clearing operation is underway in the City of Montreal, with snow removal to follow and expected to take about a week.
“The operation started last night by spreading salt, and rocks on the roads and sidewalks. This morning, We had 1,000 workers, the 1000 trucks on the road to push the snow aside and do extra salt, extra little rocks in order to ease your movements,” said City of Montreal spokesperson Philippe Sabourin.
Sabourin had some tips for anyone parking on city streets to help facilitate the snow clearing process.
“The city will need the cooperation of everyone. Please park your car 30 centimetres away from the sidewalk,” to allow enough room for workers to complete the snow clearing process. “Leave us some clearance on the sidewalks also and slow down your speed.”
SCHOOLS CLOSED, MAIL DELIVERY POSTPONED
A huge number of schools and daycares in the Montreal region told students to stay home on the first day of the winter term.
Canada Post issued a red delivery service alert for Quebec and no mail carriers will be delivering mail on Monday.
"Delivery will resume once conditions improve and it’s safe to do so," Canada Post said. "The safety of our employees is our number one priority."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.