Whiteouts, howling winds to hound Quebec into Saturday
After Friday evening’s flash freeze, high winds and heavy snow will continue making for tough or impossible travel across Quebec into Saturday.
A high-impact winter storm is rolling into Quebec just in time to start the long holiday weekend. High winds and heavy, blowing snow will make for exceptionally dangerous travel during the storm.
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Travel discouraged amid heavy, blowing snow
Winter storm and snowfall warnings persist across Quebec as we begin the long holiday weekend.
Hydro-Quebec reported Friday evening that more than 350,000 homes and businesses were without power across Quebec as the storm’s high winds swept the province. Airlines cancelled more than 100 flights out of Montreal on Friday, with delays mounting as conditions deteriorate.
Southern Quebec saw precipitation lurch back and forth between snow and rain on Friday, leading to a flash freeze across the province’s roadways as temperatures suddenly dropped behind the storm’s cold front.
Icy roadways and heavy, blowing snow will make for treacherous travel across southern Quebec overnight Friday and into the day on Saturday.
Significant snowfall rates will continue into Saturday for the Laurentians, and communities along the St. Lawrence including Montreal.
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Gusty winds of 70-90 km/h will persist overnight for the region, potentially leading to damage and power outages. Blowing snow and low to near-zero visibility will also pose a significant risk to motorists.
Residents are reminded to pack emergency kits in their vehicle if travel absolutely cannot be avoided.
High winds and blowing snow continue Saturday for Christmas Eve
Snowfall rates will calm down as we head into Christmas Eve, but slick roads and high winds will make travel difficult across Quebec throughout the day.
Whiteouts will remain a hazard Saturday as blowing snow continues. Some areas may see as much as 50 cm of snow by the time all is said and done.
Daytime high temperatures will only reach the negative single digits across Quebec, with much colder wind chill values expected for the duration.
Cold temperatures persist, but light snow for Christmas on Sunday
Blowing and drifting snow with snow flurries will continue across the province Christmas Day, however snowfall will be rather light.
Temperatures will remain quite cold and hold at minus double-digit highs across the northern half of the province Sunday through early next week.
Check back for the latest on the forecast across Quebec.