Starting Tuesday, a major winter storm is expected in the west of the province. Snow, freezing rain and strong winds could combine to make road conditions dangerous in several regions of Quebec until Wednesday.
Environment Canada has issued a winter storm watch and special weather statement for much of the province on Monday.
This winter storm is expected to arrive in the west of the province Tuesday afternoon and reach central Quebec in the evening.
20 to 40 centimeters of snow could fall from Tuesday to Wednesday in these areas from Outatouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue to Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. This precipitation will be accompanied by strong winds, which may cause blowing snow.
To add to the meteorological cocktail, cities from Outaouais to Basses-Laurentides, as well as those in the south of Mauricie and the south shore of Quebec could experience a period of freezing rain during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, warns the federal agency.
“Dangerous road conditions can be expected due to reduced visibility in certain areas,” says Environment Canada. “Surfaces, such as roads, streets, sidewalks and parking lots, may become icy and slippery. Avoid all travel if possible. »
Montreal and southern Quebec also affected
In the regions of Montreal, Montérégie, Estrie and Beauce, a special weather bulletin is in effect. 10 to 15 centimeters of snow are expected and the flakes should begin in Montreal on Tuesday afternoon, indicates Michèle Fleury, meteorologist for Environment Canada.
In these regions, snow will be mixed with sleet overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. In Montreal, Laval and on the North Shore of the metropolis, the risks of freezing rain are also significant early Wednesday. Conditions which could complicate the rush hour on Wednesday morning.
Southern Quebec will not be able to enjoy the white carpet for very long, because rain is expected in the metropolis all day Wednesday. 15 to 20 millimeters of rain could accumulate, melting some of the snow cover.
Winds of 40 to 70 kilometers per hour could add to the storm effect throughout Quebec during the precipitation.
A storm Wednesday in the east of the province
Further east, from Chaudière-Appalaches towards Bas-Saint-Laurent, the storm is expected during the night of Tuesday. It should reach the Lower North Shore at the end of the day on Wednesday.
Again, significant amounts of snow are forecast, with periods of freezing rain and winds. For coastal regions, surges caused by waves could also be added, warns Environment Canada. Caution is required.
Environment Canada is also monitoring another winter storm coming next Saturday. This should resemble that of Tuesday, in terms of quantity and mix of precipitation, and regions affected, adds Mme Fleury.