A major winter storm is coming to Quebec on Thursday night, risking spoiling the holiday season as Quebecers prepare to take to the streets to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
The low-pressure area, accompanied by strong winds, will leave heavy snow or rain in all sectors of the province, with a risk of freezing rain in places.
The south of the province will be well-watered with significant build-ups on Friday, while strong winds gusting in excess of 70mph could continue through Saturday, making roads slippery and making travel difficult on Christmas Eve.
Environment Canada, which has issued a winter storm warning, is forecasting significant amounts of snow for the central and eastern provinces, but less for areas near the St. Lawrence River, which will receive more rain.
In addition, the federal agency advises against taking to the streets during the day on Friday and recommends moving travel to Saturday afternoon, when most of the storm will already have passed.
Mercury will rise on Friday but temperatures are set to fall sharply on Saturday while snow gusts are expected in several areas where the journey will be interrupted by blowing snow.