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Slushy mess greets Montreal commuters after onslaught of freezing rain, snow

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Bad weather hits Montreal
WATCH ABOVE: Snow and freezing rain submerged sidewalks, roads and highways in a cocktail of of ice and water. Global's Dan Spector reports – Jan 24, 2019

Montreal commuters found themselves trudging through slushy road conditions Thursday morning, after a messy mix of winter weather.

READ MORE: Icy conditions force widespread Montreal-area school closures

Snow and freezing rain covered the ground overnight, submerging sidewalks, roads and highways in a cocktail of of ice and water.

WATCH BELOW: Winter weather wreaks havoc on Montreal streets

Click to play video: 'Winter weather wreaks havoc on Montreal streets'
Winter weather wreaks havoc on Montreal streets

“You’ve got to have some pretty good boots on this morning because you’re digging into the deep puddles of water,” said Fabien Bouthilier, who lives in NDG.

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“There’s slush everywhere and it’s very, very icy. You’ve got to watch out for those very slick ice spots. It’s a dangerous walk.”

The rain is expected to change back to snow Thursday afternoon.

A car drives through a huge puddle of ice and water in downtown Montreal, Thurs., Jan. 24, 2019. Karol Dahl/Global News

“The conditions are extreme. We know that even on the main roads, our sidewalks are not in good states,” said Philippe Sabourin, a spokesperson for the City of Montreal.

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READ MORE: Frigid weather continues in Eastern, Central Canada — bringing snow, rain and wind

“We will focus on spreading massive quantities of abrasives on the sidewalks and roads.”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante insisted snow removal will not be suspended in wake of the bad weather.

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“For us, it is also part of making sure the streets and sidewalks are safe,” she said.

The underpass at 55e Avenue has flooded after a mix of winter weather, Thurs., 24 Jan, 2019. Barry Donnelly/Global News

City officials are asking residents to be patient.

“It’s very dangerous. We’re coming with our crews. We have something like 3,000 employees on the road,” he said, adding the goal is to get the situation under control before the weather changes again.

“We’re expecting another swing of temperature tomorrow [Friday]. Everything is being done to ensure the security of everyone,” Sabourin noted.

“The city admits that today, the situation is difficult. We’re going to take control of the situation, [but] e vigilant when you move around. We have to work very hard. It’s quite a challenge for our crews.”

Transports Quebec is advising motorists to be careful if they get behind the wheel, and to consider using public transit or staying home if possible.

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READ MORE: Wintry weather mess strikes Montreal

“If you can postpone your trips, that’s a good thing,” said spokesperson Gilles Payer.

A full list of school closures due to dangerous weather can be found here.

WATCH: Winter weather strikes Montreal

Click to play video: 'Winter weather strikes Montreal'
Winter weather strikes Montreal

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