Snow, ice and freezing rain for southern Quebec

Still not recovering from a major storm that left thousands of Quebecers in the dark for days, the southern part of the province will receive a mix of sleet, snow and freezing rain depending on the sector until Thursday morning.

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Since Wednesday evening, southern Quebec has been hit by northeasterly winds that have intensified and dropped temperatures, as well as a system from the US Midwest that has brought moderate winds.

“Wrong combination for freezing rain,” says Environment Canada meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin.

According to Environment Canada, 10 to 20 millimeters of snow is expected this morning near the U.S. border, in the Montérégie and Vaudreuil and Richelieu Valley regions. This is accompanied by gusts of up to 70 km/h, but Mr Begin notes that this should ease in the morning.

Freezing rain warnings were also issued, particularly for Outais and Estry, part of the Lachute-Saint-Jérôme sector.

Complicated rush hour

In Montreal, expected rain, snow and sleet will turn to freezing rain early this morning. When residents of Greater Montreal wake up, snow will cover the ground, Mr. Begin said.

So outdoor surfaces like roads, streets and sidewalks can be slippery and dangerous.

Rush hour on the roads can also be problematic, warns Jean-Philippe Pégin, who urges motorists to slow down and take extra care.

The system comes 25 years after a snowstorm left millions of Quebecers in the dark. Its effects should be minimal at this time. Hydro-Québec crews are still monitoring and say they are ready to intervene in the event of a rupture.

North of the St. Lawrence River, snow is expected in Centre-du-Quebec and Maurice, where around ten centimeters will fall.

These areas are not spared from receiving a few drops of freezing rain, which can cause snow to crust over and freeze roads, Mr. Begin notes.

Cold temperature

Since December 29, the thermometer in Montreal has not been below zero, day or night, according to the meteorologist.

Cooler temperatures, slightly closer to seasonal norms, are expected, especially this weekend. “We didn’t fall into the extreme cold either,” assures Jean-Philippe Pégin.