A powerful winter storm is set to hit southern Quebec, beginning late Wednesday and carrying through Thursday, with snowfall expected to reach up to 40 centimeters.
Forecasters have issued winter storm warnings for several regions, especially Montreal, which may see upwards of 15 centimeters overnight, with another similar amount expected during the day on Thursday. The situation is likely to create hazardous road conditions throughout the province.
The storm is attributed to a weather system moving from Texas, intensifying as it crosses the border. Environment Canada has cautioned residents to prepare for difficult travel conditions, particularly during the Thursday morning rush hour.
“Snowfall accumulations of 25 to 40 centimeters are expected from late tonight until Thursday evening,” the agency stated on its website. “Heavy snow combined with strong winds will likely lead to low visibility and challenging driving conditions.”
Weather experts, including former Radio-Canada weather presenter Jean-Charles Beaubois, now president of Météo Globale, have been discussing the impending storm's potential impact. During Wednesday morning’s broadcast of Catherine Brisson’s show, he noted the concern over snow drifts caused by gusts reaching up to 80 kilometers per hour.
The storm is poised to start affecting urban areas such as Gatineau first, before making its way to Montreal and Quebec City. “Visibility may suddenly drop due to heavy snowfall, and significant accumulations could make navigation difficult,” Beaubois added.
For the Chaudière-Appalaches region, February 13 will mark the first sizeable snowstorm of the winter, with conditions expected to worsen as snowfall intensifies throughout the day. Reports indicate Lévis, Sainte-Marie, and Saint-Lazare-de-Bellechasse may receive between 30 and 33 centimeters of snow, creating treacherous conditions for commuters.
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution. Environment Canada recommends adjusting speed according to road conditions, leaving extra space between vehicles, and using headlights when visibility is poor. Louis-André Bertrand, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility, emphasized the importance of these precautions. “Our teams will work tirelessly to clear the roads until the storm passes,” he stated.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions and possible road closures. While the storm is expected to taper off by Thursday evening, the cold snap to follow could lead to wind chill factors dipping to -30 °C across many regions of southern Quebec.
This latest weather system positions itself to potentially bring more snowfall as early as this Sunday, according to forecasts from Environment Canada. Ginna Ressler, meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada, has noted the depot of snow varies from 29 to 64 centimeters across different sectors of Chaudière-Appalaches, reflecting the substantial impact already felt prior to this upcoming storm.
Residents of southern Quebec would do best to prepare for both the immediate impacts of the storm as well as the colder temperatures expected to follow, adjusting their schedules and ensuring they are equipped to handle adverse weather conditions.
With the storm on its way and traffic expected to be severely affected, many schools have announced closures. Those impacted are advised to stay tuned to local updates and heed warnings from authorities.
For those who have yet to experience the brunt of the winter season, this event marks the arrival of winter's first significant assault, reminding everyone of the harsh nature of Quebec winters, where preparedness is key to safety on the roads.
It’s not just snow; it’s winter’s call to action!