A messy mix of winter weather is hampering commutes and wreaking havoc on Montreal roads and sidewalks.
The snowfall on Wednesday, which came right after another snowstorm walloped Quebec, has made it difficult for people to get around the city by car, bus, bicycle or on foot.
READ MORE: Frigid weather continues in Eastern, Central Canada — bringing snow, rain and wind
Freezing rain has since replaced the snow, which tapered off in the evening.
Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for parts of southern, central and eastern Quebec.
“As a warm front approaches, a band of freezing rain will develop over the Outaouais region and Montreal this evening,” said the weather agency.
“The freezing rain will push toward Quebec City tonight, then eastward on Thursday.”
WATCH: Winter storm making travel difficult in Montreal
The freezing rain is expected to change to rain over Montreal late Wednesday night, which could lead to slippery roads across the city.
“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions,” Environment Canada said.
Transports Québec also advises motorists to be careful if they get behind the wheel — and to consider using public transit or staying home if possible.
“If you can postpone your trips, that’s a good thing,” said spokesperson Gilles Payer.
Snow removal underway
The heavy snow forced Montreal police to close a street in the city’s downtown core on Wednesday as crews continued to clear snow from the weekend storm.
“We had to close Atwater for a few minutes, call the city to make sure they can salt and help us, at least to resolve the situation,” said police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant.
Philippe Sabourin, spokesperson for the City of Montreal, said crews are focusing on clearing and salting Montreal’s main arteries.
READ MORE: Winter storm slams Montreal, hampering travel, causing power outages
“For downtown Montreal, we’re actually salting and plowing the main roads so those roads are being done,” he said.
“For the little streets, we’re not going over there yet. We’re going to use the snow to absorb the freezing rain we will get later on.”
The city is also asking motorists to respect the signs put up for snow removal.
—With files from Global’s Gloria Henriquez
- Posters promoting ‘Steal From Loblaws Day’ are circulating. How did we get here?
- Video shows Ontario police sharing Trudeau’s location with protester, investigation launched
- Canadian food banks are on the brink: ‘This is not a sustainable situation’
- Solar eclipse eye damage: More than 160 cases reported in Ontario, Quebec
Comments