A severe winter storm is expected in the west of the province starting Tuesday. Snow, freezing rain and strong winds could cause dangerous road conditions in several regions of Quebec through Wednesday.
Published at 3:33 p.m.
Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning and special weather statement for much of the province on Monday.
This winter storm is expected to arrive in the western part of the province on Tuesday afternoon and reach central Quebec in the evening.
In these areas from Outatouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue to Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, 20 to 40 centimeters of snow could fall from Tuesday to Wednesday. This precipitation will be accompanied by strong winds that may lead to blowing snow.
To add to the meteorological cocktail, towns from Outaouais to Basses-Laurentides, as well as south of Mauricie and the south coast of Quebec, could experience a period of freezing rain overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, the federal agency warns.
“Due to limited visibility in certain areas, hazardous road conditions are expected,” says Environment Canada. “Surfaces such as roads, sidewalks and parking lots can become icy and slippery. Avoid all travel if possible. »
Montreal and southern Quebec were also affected
A special weather advisory applies in the Montreal, Montérégie, Estrie and Beauce regions. 10 to 15 centimeters of snow is expected and the flakes are expected to begin falling in Montreal on Tuesday afternoon, says Environment Canada meteorologist Michèle Fleury.
These regions will experience snow and sleet overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. The risk of freezing rain early Wednesday is also significant in Montreal, Laval and on the north coast of the metropolis. Conditions that could make rush hour traffic difficult on Wednesday morning.
Southern Quebec won't be able to enjoy the white carpet for long as rain is expected in the metropolis all day on Wednesday. 15 to 20 millimeters of rain could accumulate and melt some of the snowpack.
Wind speeds of 40 to 70 kilometers per hour could intensify the storm's impact across Quebec during the rainfall.
There was a storm in the east of the province on Wednesday
Further east, from Chaudière-Appalaches towards Bas-Saint-Laurent, the storm is expected on Tuesday night. It was expected to reach the Lower North Shore by the end of the day on Wednesday.
Significant amounts of snow with intermittent freezing rain and wind are also forecast here. Surges caused by waves could also occur in coastal regions, warns Environment Canada. Caution is advised.
Environment Canada is also monitoring another winter storm coming next Saturday. This is expected to be similar to Tuesday's in terms of the amount and mix of rainfall and the regions affected, Ms Fleury added.