After a brief two-day respite, winter is back with a vengeance.
Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning on Friday for Montreal and surrounding areas, which was extended Saturday.
The weather agency says a total of 35 to 40 cm of snow is expected to blanket the city, by the time the snow tapers off Saturday afternoon.
Authorities are warning motorists to avoid heading out on the roads, as visibility and icy roads, are creating hazardous driving conditions.
Snow clearing operations are underway, but roads remain slippery.
Urgences-Santé said it usually sees a spike in 911 calls under these types of conditions, due to numerous accidents and is urging residents stay indoors.
By 11 a.m. Saturday, Urgences-Santé had already fielded 400 calls — 30 per cent more than usual.
As a result, the emergency service is asking the population to avoid contacting 911 unless it consists of a vital emergency.
For non-life-threatening health concerns, Urgences-Santé recommends calling the info-santé line at 811.
Some Montrealers, however, decided to brave the elements and became creative with how they got around.
Some chose to avoid sidewalks…
…while others donned snowshoes.
There was evidence of cross-country skis on one sidewalk in Outremont, but maybe more surprising was the one-wheeled contraption spotted by a Global Montreal viewer on Jean-Talon Street Friday night.
WATCH BELOW: Getting around Park-Extenison during a winter storm
The storm, making its way through Montreal and much of southern Quebec, is also making life difficult for air travellers.
Montreal’s Pierre-Elliot Trudeau airport is warning of delays and cancellations and recommends travellers check their flight status before heading to the airport.
By 1 a.m., 120 flights were delayed, while 20 departures and 20 arrivals had been cancelled.
WATCH: Travellers delayed after snowstorm hits Montreal
An airport spokesperson told Global News they expect the backlog to ease up in the afternoon, as the snow peters out.
READ MORE: Growing number of potholes in Montreal wreaking havoc on the roads
While many Quebecers are hoping to enjoy the fresh powder on the slopes, some ski centres are closed while others are only partially open.
Trails need grooming due to the rain and mild weather experienced earlier in the week. Call ahead before heading out.
- Life in the forest: How Stanley Park’s longest resident survived a changing landscape
- Bird flu risk to humans an ‘enormous concern,’ WHO says. Here’s what to know
- Roll Up To Win? Tim Hortons says $55K boat win email was ‘human error’
- Mental health support still lacking 4 years after mass shooting: Nova Scotia mayor
Comments