A major winter storm is set to impact Quebec, with predictions of significant snowfall totals and challenging travel conditions. Environment Canada has issued warnings across several regions, forecasting up to 40 centimeters of snow, making this one of the largest winter storms since 2022.
The storm, originating from Texas, is expected to begin affecting the province Wednesday evening, with heavy snowfall continuing through Friday. Areas like Outaouais, Laurentians, and Montreal are particularly warned of severe conditions, including sudden visibility reductions.
Officials are preparing for the onslaught, with city operations gearing up to keep roads and sidewalks clear. Bryden Denyes, the director of road operations for the City of Ottawa, stated, "We will try to keep the roads, the sidewalks and everything open and clear." This preparation reflects the serious nature of the storm, as local governments aim to deploy resources efficiently to mitigate the storm's impact.
Traveling under such conditions poses significant risks. Officer Shawn Peever of the Ontario Provincial Police has advised motorists to slow down and maintain distance between vehicles, emphasizing the importance of being prepared. "It’s very important to give yourself more time and plan your travels," he noted, adjusting his counsel based on expected weather conditions.
The snowfall rates could reach as high as five centimeters per hour during the peak times of the storm. Environment Canada considers this event significant enough to qualify as a winter storm, indicating travel conditions may deteriorate rapidly. They report, "The rapid accumulation of snow could make travel difficult in some areas." The anticipated strong winds, upwards of 60 km/h, will exacerbate the situation, leading to near-zero visibility at times.
With the storm reaching its peak on Thursday morning, local transportation services including OC Transpo have announced they would implement severe weather schedules, which involve reduced bus services. While some bus routes will be suspended, the O-Train is expected to run on its normal schedule. Residents are encouraged to check service updates and plan their travel accordingly.
Adding to the storm's severity, cold temperatures are also expected, dropping as low as -16 °C with wind chills making it feel colder. Such extreme conditions pose frostbite risks within minutes of exposure, leading environment officials to advise proper clothing when venturing outside.
Snow-related travel warnings extend beyond Ottawa, affecting much of southern Quebec. Areas around Quebec City and Saguenay are also bracing for significant snow accumulations, with diverse snowfall amounts predicted based on local geography. Key outdoor activities or unnecessary travel are advised against during the worst of the storm.
This weather event is part of Quebec's challenging winter season, where February storms often create difficult conditions. Many residents are already accustomed to such winter challenges, stockpiling essentials as they prepare to endure what could be the winter storm's full brunt.
Local schools may also face closures due to adverse conditions, with some already preemptively cancelling classes. Residents are urged to stay updated on school closures via official notifications to avoid any disruption to their plans.
Finally, as snowfall blankets the province over the coming days, Quebec residents are reminded to prioritize safety. After all, preparation is key, whether it’s having spare blankets, food supplies, or simply planning the best routes to avoid hazardous conditions.
With the storm quickly approaching, staying informed will be pivotal for all residents. Let's hope for community cooperation and cautious choices during this winter weather event.