(Montreal) Quebecers will see the first snowflakes of the winter season appear this week, according to Environment Canada, but some regions are already under a white carpet Monday morning.
Posted at 8:50 a.m.
For the large regions of Montreal and Quebec, the first snowfall should show up on Wednesday, with the passage of a system from Texas.
In a special weather report published early Monday morning, however, Environment Canada qualifies that due to temperatures that will be close to freezing, it is too early to comment on the expected amount of snow.
This bulletin affects most regions of southern Quebec. However, for the more eastern sectors of the province, a white carpet had already settled on Monday.
In Sept-Îles, for example, 12 centimeters of snow fell on Saturday, following tropical storm Nicole, according to data provided Sunday by Environment Canada.
Snow alerts were also published for many areas of the North Shore and Bas-Saint-Laurent on Monday, including Matane, Minganie, Rimouski and Mont-Joli.
Environment Canada warns that “significant snowfall” is expected on Monday, up to 15 centimeters in places.
“Adapt your driving to changing road conditions. Rapid snow accumulation could make travel difficult in some areas. Visibility can be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” says Environment Canada.
Police on the lookout
With the winter period setting in, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) also published a press release to remind that the police could issue statements of offense if they find that the speed of a motorist is not adapted to the road conditions, even if the limit indicated on the road signs is respected.
“Offenders face a minimum fine of $60 plus costs and two demerit points,” warns the SQ.
Road users must also remove snow from their vehicle and ensure that the windshield, windows, headlights and license plate are free of ice and snow, explains the SQ.
In addition, owners have until 1er December to equip their vehicles with winter tires.