Environment Canada is warning that parts of southern Quebec could see “critical freezing rain” later this week, saying the storm may paralyze some services and lead to transportation delays and cancellations.
The federal weather agency has issued a special weather statement for Greater Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec and the Quebec City region.
It said the system, which will bring total accumulations of 20 to 30 millimetres of freezing rain, will move into the region beginning overnight Tuesday into Wednesday and continuing throughout the day.
Meteorologist Giselle Dookhie says the duration of the freezing rain is what makes the system particularly concerning.
“The reason why we’re describing it as potentially critical is the duration of the event,” Dookhie said. “We’re expecting up to 24 hours of seeing freezing rain over the area and with it we’re expecting concerns the impacts throughout the day will start to increase.”
Ice accumulation could weigh down trees and power lines.
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“Think of the weight that you’re going to be seeing on the tree branches,” she said. “This can cause some of the tree branches to break in the area and it can also cause some power outages as well.”
Just over a month ago, parts of Montreal’s west end experienced a prolonged power outage after aging equipment belonging to Hydro‑Québec broke down during frigid temperatures. Two people died.
Dookhie told Global News that wind gusts expected during the storm could further weaken ice-covered trees, increasing the risk of branches breaking.
If the forecast holds, driving conditions could worsen significantly through Wednesday, especially in the afternoon and evening. “I would advise if you’re able to work from home on Wednesday, that’s probably a better idea,” Dookhie said.
Environment Canada added that conditions will remain cold afterwards, which may complicate and delay the full return to normal services.
“Surfaces will become icy and increase the risk of falls and injuries. Prolonged power outages are likely. Ice accretion increases the risk of breaking tree branches. Consider delaying or cancelling any non-essential travel.”
Temperatures will hover around freezing Wednesday into Thursday morning, before shifting to -12C Thursday night. Flurries are expected afterwards.
A spokesperson for Transports Québec urged drivers who must be on the road to slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
There is also a chance some areas could see rain instead of freezing rain, which could bring the risk of localized flooding.
The City of Montreal says it is finalizing its storm plan.
Global News also asked Hydro-Québec how it is preparing the power network for the potential storm, but the utility declined to comment, saying it is waiting for more precise forecasts from its own meteorologists before speaking publicly.
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