A major winter storm is descending on Quebec just in time for the holidays, forcing widespread school closures, power outages and travel delays.
Environment Canada has issued a mix of warnings for much of the southern half of the province Friday. Many areas are expected to receive a messy cocktail of heavy snow, rain and strong winds, while some areas could see freezing rain.
“If you absolutely have to hit the road, be sure to adapt your driving and be careful,” Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault wrote on Twitter.
Some regions will get whacked by snow, including the Laurentians and Lanaudière which could see up to 70 centimetres by Christmas Eve day. Quebec City residents are bracing for “hazardous” conditions and the weather agency advises postponing non-essential travel.
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Winter storm warning prompts preemptive school closures in Montreal
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Meanwhile, Montreal is expected to see up to 20 centimetres of snow before heavy rain (and possibly freezing rain) takes over in the morning.
“Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” the weather agency warns.
Many school boards across the province have cancelled class for the day, including most Montreal-area school boards. It would have been the last day of school before the winter holidays.
When it comes to travelling, officials are asking those who get behind the wheel or head out in the storm to exercise caution. In Montreal, the mayor said the city had nearly finished snow-removal operations from last week’s storm, but was prepared for another round of winter weather.
“This storm could make travel difficult. Be careful,” Valérie Plante wrote.
Those hopping on a plane should check their flight’s status before heading to Montreal or Quebec City airports. Many departures and arrivals are delayed.
Hydro-Québec warns the storm could lead to power outages and says it is monitoring the situation and “will be ready to intervene” when necessary. As of 8 a.m., more than 111,000 customers were in the dark across the province.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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