A large storm with rain will affect the entire province on Thursday evening and bring more than 30 cm of snow in some areas with winds of up to 80 km/h.
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A low pressure system is intensifying from Colorado and moving towards Quebec. Snow is expected in southern Quebec starting Thursday evening.
Environment Canada has also issued special weather reports for several areas of the province, including the Montreal region, Quebec City, Laurentians, Llanadier and Maurice.
“These weather reports will become warnings,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin, speaking of a “strong storm.”
Significant amounts of snow and blowing snow are expected through Friday. Areas in the St. Lawrence River Valley between Montreal and Quebec are expected to receive 15 to 30 centimeters of snow. Snow accumulations could reach 40 centimeters, particularly in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions.
After the snow, a transition to rain is expected with an episode of ice, according to Environment Canada.
Showers should change back to storms before gradually ending Saturday afternoon.
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“We’re going to have snow in areas near the St. Lawrence River in southern Quebec with winds of 60 to 70 km/h on Friday. In areas near Quebec, we expect winds of 70 to 80 km/h.
On the temperature side, the mercury should rise as the storm hits Quebec. “It’s completely normal for temperatures to rise when you have a storm,” meteorologist Jean-Philippe Pégin added, adding that they would remain “above normal” until Sunday.
Environment Canada stresses that conditions could quickly go from “good” to “zero” Thursday and Friday, and road conditions could become hazardous due to possible ice.
What to know about the coming storm
When will the storm start?
Snow is expected to begin Thursday evening in southwestern Quebec before affecting central and eastern Quebec. Snow will intensify overnight Thursday into Friday before ending Saturday.
How many centimeters are expected?
Between 15 and 20 centimeters is expected Thursday evening and Friday evening in parts of the St. Lawrence River Valley between Montreal and Quebec. Up to 40 centimeters are expected in Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie.
How to prepare?
See Quebec 511 for road conditions;
Adapt your driving to weather conditions;
Never pass snow removal vehicles, as the driver’s vision impairment may cause an accident;
Make sure you have all the tools and plenty of windshield washer fluid and brake fluid in case of an emergency.
