Montreal and other regions brace for significant adverse weather challenges as the worst snowstorm of the season is expected to impact travel conditions. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the storm will bring up to 40 centimeters of snow, resulting in severely deteriorated road conditions.
A winter storm warning has been issued for Montreal, Montérégie, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Outaouais, and Mont-Laurier. Residents are warned to prepare for rapidly changing travel conditions, with the snow set to start late Wednesday night and extend through Thursday evening. An intensifying low-pressure system moving from Texas is responsible for the predicted heavy snowfall and strong winds.
"Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorated travel conditions," Environment Canada urged, stressing the need for caution on the roads. The snowfall will begin overnight, with up to 15 centimeters expected before the day’s heavy snowfall, potentially adding another 25 centimeters to the layer.
Hazardous driving conditions will be exacerbated by high winds, creating blowing snow and reducing visibility, especially during Thursday’s morning rush hour. The imminent storm has prompted municipal officials to ready their snow removal operations. Philippe Sabourin, spokesperson for the City of Montreal, confirmed, "We’re ready to hit the road again with thousands of employees, thousands of trucks to do the clearing operation."
Montreal’s snow removal operations will aim to clear 10,000 kilometers of streets and sidewalks efficiently. Sabourin elaborated, "It’s the first real snowstorm in Montreal. We’re expecting a lot of centimeters of snow." Snow removal teams plan to start after the storm begins and continue their work until the snowfall has ceased.
With temperatures remaining low, the cleanup will involve considerable preparation. The municipal snow removal budget is set at $200 million for the year, with approximately $25 million expected to be spent on managing this storm alone. "If we’re getting 25 centimeters, the cost will be approximately $25 million," Sabourin noted, emphasizing the significant financial resources involved.
School closures have already begun, with Peter Hall school announcing the closure of the Ouimet and Côte-Vertu campuses, reflecting the widespread impact of the looming winter storm. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel when possible, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
While Montreal faces its snowstorm challenges, the Niagara Region is also under severe weather warnings. Environment Canada has issued freezing rain warnings alongside special statements indicating up to 10 centimeters of snow could also fall. Conditions are expected to worsen due to ice buildup from the freezing rain, creating slippery roads and hazardous driving conditions.
Officials are advising drivers to allow extra travel time and to adjust their driving habits according to the road conditions. "Expect some challenging road conditions on your drive home in the Niagara Region today," Environment Canada cautioned, highlighting the need for vigilance as residents navigate the wintery weather.
The overlapping winter weather phenomena across different regions serve as potent reminders of the challenges posed by adverse weather. Residents are urged to remain aware of local weather reports, heed warnings from authorities, and prepare effectively for potentially dangerous travel conditions. Stay safe, maintain caution, and check on community updates for snow removal efforts and road conditions across your area.