Published on January 16, 2024 at 12:51 p.m.
Updated January 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
A winter storm will hit parts of Quebec late Tuesday afternoon. Several sectors in the east of the province are also affected by a warning.
Up to 30 cm of snow in Gaspésie
The system that will affect us Tuesday afternoon will begin with snow. Although we don't expect much snow for Gatineau and Montreal (up to 5 cm), snow should be more intense towards Estrie and Beauce on Tuesday. Although accumulations are expected to be modest in the south of the province, these afternoon accumulations could make it difficult for certain sectors to return home. At temperatures below -5°C, this snow is light and powdery and can easily accumulate on the roads. Eastern Quebec will see the most snow, with winter storms Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. The Gaspé Peninsula could therefore receive up to 30 cm by Wednesday morning. Warnings from Environment Canada also affect several sectors in eastern Quebec.
Lots of wind
The system arriving in Quebec won't just bring snow. As a winter storm, the low pressure system will also bring strong winds. Gusts of over 60 km/h are expected, especially on the Gaspé Peninsula. Due to heavy snowfall and blowing snow, road conditions will therefore deteriorate rapidly on Tuesday evening.
Danger of a weather bomb
The low pressure area will therefore have the character of a winter storm in the eastern part of the province, but probably also that of a weather bomb. In fact, its significant pressure loss will lead to a rapid and significant intensification of the system. The coastal storm therefore risks becoming a weather bomb by losing more than 24 hPa in less than 24 hours.
In collaboration with Kevin Cloutier, meteorologist.