Quebec is grappling with the intense aftermath of its second winter storm within just days, as blizzard conditions sweep across the province. Environnement Canada has issued multiple warnings, indicating severe weather is expected to continue affecting the region through at least Wednesday.
The storm, which began on Sunday, has already begun to accumulate significant snowfall, with certain areas bracing for as much as 70 centimeters. Jean-Philippe Bégin, meteorologist at Environnement Canada, noted, "C’est une tempête qui remonte la côte est américaine... plus on va être proche de la côte est américaine, plus on va en recevoir.” This forecast indicates the snowfall will be heaviest where the storm tracks closest to the U.S. eastern seaboard.
Throughout the southern regions of Quebec, including Montreal and the Valley of the Saint-Laurent, weather conditions have started to deteriorate rapidly, prompting concerns for safe travel. By Sunday afternoon, snow accumulation was already reported to be around 20-25 centimeters, with snow falling at rates of 5 centimeters per hour. Bégin emphasized the storm's severity, explaining how this winter weather event differs from the previous week’s storm.
Alongside the heavy snowfall, the storm has also brought high winds. Gusts could reach upward of 90 kilometers per hour, significantly reducing visibility. Amélie Bertrand, another meteorologist with Environnement Canada, explained, "Le dernier blizzard [au sud du Québec] remonte à 2017," highlighting the rarity of such severe conditions.
Martin Girard, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation, issued advice to the public on travel safety. He warned, "Pour l’ensemble du territoire, l’Outaouais, le sud du Québec, la Montérégie, l’Estrie, on parle vraiment de route partiellement enneigée à enneigée," underlining the precarious driving conditions across major routes. There's been at least one significant accident involving over twenty vehicles on the Autoroute 20 west near Drummondville due to whiteout conditions and heavy snow.
Schools have also been preparing for the storm's impact. The Centre de services scolaire des Premières-Seigneuries stated closures may occur based on the current weather advisories. Schools like École des Ursulines and École secondaire du Mont-Saint-Sacrement have been proactive in communicating potential changes to daily schedules.
Residents are being advised to stay indoors as much as possible amid the unprecedented weather conditions. Philippe Sabourin, spokesperson for the City of Montreal, reinforced the need for caution: "Le mot d’ordre aujourd’hui, c’est aucun déplacement non essentiel." With more severe weather predicted, he encouraged citizens to minimize travel and work remotely wherever possible.
Reports are surfacing of electricity outages affecting thousands, with over 5,000 customers reporting losses at points during the storm. While it appears the worst of the weather will settle over the eastern parts of Quebec as it progresses, residents are being urged to brace for continued challenges and monitor local advisories.
The storm, characterized by its combination of heavy snow and howling winds, has already led to numerous flight cancellations at major airports such as Montreal-Trudeau and Quebec City, where hundreds of flights have been impacted. The chaos reflects the severity of the storm, described by those who have lived through such conditions as beyond the norm for February.
Overall, this winter storm reflects the unpredictable nature of Quebec's weather, with many recalling previous winters and noting, "En 20 ans de carrière, je n’ai jamais vu ça : deux tempêtes d’affilée, de cette ampleur, en moins de quatre jours," as noted by Sabourin. This powerful system poses not just immediate challenges to infrastructure but suggests broader impacts as climate-related weather patterns continue to evolve.
Listeners are implored to stay tuned for updates and heed any warnings from weather authorities as the winter storm continues its assault on Quebec through the beginning of the week.