Environment Canada is calling for caution as the winter storm that is expected to hit much of Quebec from Thursday evening approaches: it is better to have reserves in the event of prolonged power outages than to be caught off guard on Christmas Eve.
A “major” weather system is expected over the province, bringing significant amounts of snow, rain, but also very strong winds and blowing snow. So, “it’s quite a possibility that you will run out of electricity for an extended period,” says Environment Canada meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin to the attention of Quebecers.
“Is it 10% of the population? Is it more? Ultimately, everyone must prepare for this eventuality, because everywhere in Quebec we will have strong to violent winds. So, if we run out of electricity, it could take longer to restore service,” he explained in an interview with The Canadian Press.
According to the most recent forecasts from the federal agency, all regions of Quebec should expect to receive winds between 80 and 120 km/h, gusts of more than 100 km/h being reserved for the eastern sectors. of the provincial capital.
Environment Canada therefore recommends that everyone obtain the necessary equipment to be able to support themselves for up to 72 hours. Preparing also involves recharging the batteries of electronic devices, testing your generator — for those who have one — and providing blankets.
“The idea here is not to scare, it’s just to say that if this happens to you, have a plan like going to relatives or friends who still have electricity, and have a first aid kit. urgency will help you get through this difficult period without electricity”, specifies Mr. Bégin, who repeats that it will be “very, very, very windy all over Quebec”.
At Hydro-Québec, we assure that, despite the holiday season, “we are monitoring the evolution of the situation and will be ready to intervene as soon as necessary”.
Snow, rain, and everything in between
The snow should start Thursday evening in several places. Regions north of the St. Lawrence River, such as the Laurentians, Lanaudière and Mauricie, could receive between 20 and 40 centimeters by Friday evening. The flakes would continue to accumulate during the day on Saturday and could reach up to 60 centimeters in some places.
For the sectors near the river, the amounts of snow will be less important, because the precipitation will change into rain, warns Environment Canada. What’s more, freezing rain is possible overnight Thursday through Friday, as well as the next morning.
The weather service is also forecasting a significant amount of rain in the southern regions of Quebec on Friday. In addition, ice could occur during the transition from snow to rain in Montreal and Montérégie.
“What we want people to remember is that this is a particularly strong storm compared to what we have in general. It is special and it intensifies very quickly,” underlines Mr. Bégin.
In the east of the province, the snow should begin Friday morning with possible accumulations of 10 to 20 centimeters, mentions Environment Canada.
During the evening or night, precipitation could change to rain and the amounts could approach 30 millimeters.
In places where rain is on the menu, it will be necessary to be careful when the temperatures drop on Saturday morning, since this rapid drop could lead to icy roads and sidewalks “generally”.
History?
These weather conditions are likely to complicate holiday travel. Environment Canada also invites you to delay all non-essential travel during the storm.
But will this storm be as bad as expected? Response from Jean-Philippe Bégin: “It already compares itself to one of the most intense storms that we have experienced in history, so that gives an idea of the magnitude of the thing. »
“For some aspects, it could be unheard of, but for others we will have comparables”, he mentions.
Obviously, Environment Canada intends to draw up a full report of the event once calm has been restored.