Impactful storm threatens Quebec with HOURS of freezing rain
theweathernetwork.com
Monday, April 16, 2018, 3:00 PM - After making a complete mess of Ontario and the U.S. South and Midwest, an icy storm made its mark on Quebec on Monday, with hours of freezing rain for some and strong, gusty winds from the east.
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Weather highlights:
- Snow to start, quickly changing to ice pellets and freezing rain; 10 to 20 mm of frozen precipitation expected
- Power outages likely for some regions with light ice build up and strong, gusty winds
- Monday morning and afternoon commutes likely impacted for Montreal, Eastern Townships, Quebec
- Wrap-around snow possible behind the system on Tuesday
FREEZING RAIN RISK LINGERS
Freezing rain warnings remained in effect for much of southern Quebec early Monday afternoon as - while the bulk of the storm had moved on - icy conditions lingered for many places, particularly along the St. Lawrence Valley. All told, 5 to 20 millimetres of frozen precipitation was expected over southwestern Quebec before rain tapered off Monday afternoon, making for icy buildup on roads and surfaces. The wide range of possible totals reflects the spotty nature of the rainfall across the area.
Closer to Quebec City, patchy freezing rain is likely to persist through the overnight, with 2 to 10 mm expected to fall by Tuesday morning.
"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous," warns Environment Canada.
On Tuesday, we're looking at the potential for some wrap-around snow on the back edge of the low, as cold air surges back down from the northwest. Accumulations with this are expected to be fairly light.
Must see: Dog narrowly escapes ice-covered falling branch
STORM SURGE WARNING
Higher than normal water levels with large waves driven by strong easterly winds are also expected near the coast, EC warns.
"The combination of strong winds and the fact that we are currently in a period of high tidal range could produce coastal flooding," says EC in a storm surge warning issued for the Quebec City area. "Coastal erosion is possible in vulnerable areas. People close to the shoreline should stay on the lookout for worsening conditions."
Be sure to check back as we continue to follow this storm as it moves through the region.
