Between 5 and 15 centimeters of snow accumulated in several regions of southern Quebec overnight from Thursday to Friday, leaving a new white carpet on the ground, a week after the winter storm last weekend.
The snowflakes mainly accumulated in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges-Huntington area, where nearly 15 centimeters fell. The Outaouais and Montreal regions also received 10 centimeters of snow overnight from Thursday to Friday.
Rainfall continues Friday morning. We can expect 2 to 4 centimeters of snow in the greater Montreal area. Environment Canada reports strong winds of up to 50 km/h in the morning. These gusts could affect traffic, we advise, at the same time advising the population to plan their trips, or even to postpone them if possible.
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ), however, did not report any accident scene on Friday, apart from “a few minor road trips and other material collisions”, indicated agent Béatrice Dorsainville. A truck that jackknifed on Highway 440 in Laval nevertheless forced the complete closure of this nerve center early in the morning. Congestion was observed in the area until around 7 a.m.
Loading operation in sight
In Montreal, a snow loading operation is expected to start early next week, but not before as additional precipitation is expected over the weekend. “By Sunday or Monday, we can expect to receive up to 5 or 10 centimeters more, so at that time, we should be able to carry out a complete operation”, indicates the spokesperson of the City , Philippe Sabourin.
The most recent load of snow, which had been launched last week in the wake of the storm, is also “completed at 95%”, estimates Mr. Sabourin. “The rest are very rare cases where the loading is about to be completed,” he says.
When it is launched, this new snow loading operation should however be more “simple”, because the snow falling on Montreal on Friday is “easier, lighter”, affirms the person in charge. “The last time, we had sleet, very heavy snow, and we exceeded 30 centimeters with strong winds, which meant that we had to go twice everywhere. There, we have a beautiful aerial snow. It should definitely be easier,” he notes.
Hundreds of snow removal trucks will still be at work in the city over the next few days, clearing the roadway – without loading the snow. “Our priority is really going to be packing the snow, applying stone chipping and salt, then ensuring good grip on the sidewalks for everyone’s safety,” the spokesperson continued.