The severe storm expected to hit several regions of Quebec on Tuesday and Wednesday will trigger “the heart of winter,” with accumulations that could reach more than 30 centimeters in places.
The still little snow-covered ground in Quebec could be significantly covered on Tuesday and Wednesday, when the first real winter storm is expected to hit several regions.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“This storm will trigger the heart of winter,” said Jean-Philippe Bégin, a meteorologist for Environment Canada (EC), from the start, referring to this period when the coldest temperatures are generally recorded.
“Morning [mardi] In the afternoon there will already be the first rainfall in the southwest of Quebec, starting with the Outaouais, and it will gradually go east, for the Montreal region and later in the evening in Quebec,” specifies the meteorologist.
The snow is expected to turn into sleet and freezing rain in Montreal and surrounding areas, and this cocktail could also spread to the Quebec region.
This rain should arrive very early on Wednesday morning on the south coast and Montérégie, and later on the north coast sections. The areas between Mirabel and Mauricie are expected to receive the heaviest freezing rain and caution is advised there, particularly due to the weight on tree branches and power cables.
Gusts
Strong, almost severe winds in places are expected, particularly in areas more exposed to northeasterly winds, from near Quebec and Charlevoix to the Lower North Shore.
“We expect gusts of up to 60 km/h,” added Mr Bégin, pointing out that snowdrifts could complicate road conditions.
EC plans to monitor “breaking waves” on the east coasts. “Very little ice forms in the Gulf of St. Lawrence […] and the strong winds that are coming will most likely break this ice [qui normalement] protects the banks.”
Strong winds will also be felt in Montreal, but gusts like those that could occur further north are not expected.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Precipitation in various forms
The meteorologist notes that these forecasts for snow accumulations remain uncertain, while expected precipitation is expected to fall in various forms.
“So there is only one idea,” warns Mr. Bégin. For Quebec the snow depth is around 20 to 30 cm. There will also be mixtures of sleet and freezing rain. With accumulations greater than 30 centimeters, it will be further north of Quebec.
As for temperatures, they will rise above zero in all regions of Quebec on Wednesday afternoon. This rise in mercury “is not unusual, even if we are above normal,” the meteorologist said.
In addition, the meteorologist points out that another storm is also imminent in several regions of Quebec next weekend.
– In collaboration with QMI Agency