A storm is making its presence felt in Montreal, as residents brace themselves for the onset of freezing rain at the beginning of the week. If you plan to step outside on Monday, it's crucial to take precautions, as much of Southern Quebec is experiencing hazardous icy conditions. Environment Canada has issued a noteworthy orange-level weather warning, indicating that ice accumulation on various surfaces is expected to worsen throughout the day.
Forecasts suggest that some areas could see ice buildup of up to 15 millimeters, creating treacherous conditions. According to Olivier Veer, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the freezing rain is anticipated to persist throughout the day but should begin to taper off early in the afternoon. However, this relief will be short-lived, as strong winds are predicted to follow, with gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour in the Montreal area.
"This combination of wind and ice poses a significant risk," Veer cautioned. "The accumulated ice on trees, power lines, and roads will be affected by the wind, leading to additional hazards for those venturing outdoors. It’s essential for everyone to remain vigilant."
In light of these severe weather conditions, Environment Canada’s orange warning signals that the potential for significant damage or disruption is high, with impacts that could last several days. Residents are advised to stay cautious, as falling ice and branches could lead to dangerous travel conditions, with many sidewalks and roadways likely frozen over. The possibility of extended power outages is also a concern during this weather event.
Emergency services, such as Urgences-santé, reported an influx of calls on Monday, receiving roughly 100 calls per hour related primarily to falls caused by the slippery conditions, significantly higher than their typical rate of 70 to 80 calls per hour.
By midday, Hydro-Québec indicated that over 25,000 customers were experiencing power outages due to the storm.
Motorists are being urged to check for road closures or warnings via Quebec 511 before setting out. Sarah Bensadoun, a spokesperson for Transports Québec, stated that the roads across southern Quebec are either partially or completely icy, which means drivers can expect rapidly changing conditions even on the same route.
Passengers at Montreal's Trudeau Airport are also advised to verify their flight status prior to heading to the airport, as delays and cancellations have been reported. Eric Forest, a representative for Aéroports de Montréal, noted that while de-icing crews are actively working on-site, adverse weather in other regions can lead to further disruptions in Montreal.
As of 9 a.m., approximately 12 percent of the day’s scheduled domestic flights had been canceled by airlines.
Montreal’s Mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, took to social media to assure citizens that all city resources are being deployed to ensure roads are cleared and made safe as quickly as possible. Residents are encouraged to report any roadway issues by calling 311.
The inclement weather is also impacting commuters relying on the REM train service, as there was no train operation between the Deux-Montagnes and Bois-Franc stations by 9 a.m. Service is expected to resume by 2 p.m., with shuttle buses in operation during the interim period.
Other regions, including the Eastern Townships, are facing similar travel disruptions. The public transit agency in Sherbrooke announced a temporary suspension of its network due to the harsh weather. In Quebec City, while bus services continue to operate, the transit authority is remaining vigilant and monitoring the situation closely.
