Quebecers will probably get a white Christmas after all — or a messy cocktail of winter weather in time for the holiday season.
Environment Canada says a major weather system will move into the province starting Thursday evening and will likely bring dozens of centimetres of snow to some regions. Several areas across southern Quebec are under winter storm or snowfall warnings.
The weather agency warns the Greater Montreal area, which is under a snowfall warning, will get up to 20 centimetres of snow by Friday morning. But that’s not where it ends.
“Snow will change to rain Friday morning with a risk of freezing rain during this transition,” the weather agency said.
“Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.”
Montreal, however, will be spared the worst of the storm compared to other parts of the province.
The Laurentians and Lanaudière regions could see up to 50 centimetres of snow by Friday night — with totals of up to 70 centimetres by the end of Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile, Environment Canada warns of “hazardous” winter conditions in the province’s capital. Powerful winds of nearly 110 km/hour are expected to descend upon the Quebec City area.
“Winds combined with the snow will give poor to near zero visibilities in blowing snow,” the warning reads.
Environment Canada suggests postponing non-essential travel in those areas since driving conditions could be tricky. It also urges making a emergency safety kit, containing drinking water, food, medication, a first aid kit and a flashlight.
School closures, bus cancellations
In areas expected to be hit hard by the storm, a few school boards have already cancelled class for Friday.
Gatineau’s Western Quebec School Board said all of it schools and daycares will be closed. Quebec City’s des Premières-Seigneuries school service centre made a similar announcement, describing it as a “exceptional early decision” in light of “exceptional circumstances.”
Just south of Montreal, the New Frontiers School Board also announced it will be closed Friday.
As of 6 p.m., most schools on the island of Montreal had announced similar closures.
Orléans Express, the province’s inter-city bus company, has already called off some trips planned for Friday. Buses from Quebec City to Rimouski as well as trips from the Gaspé to Rimouski are cancelled.
Hopping on a plane during the holidays? The Montreal-Trudeau International Airport says flights could be disrupted. Travellers are asked to check their flight status before going to the airport.
Hydro-Québec warns the storm could lead to power outages in the province. The public utility is “monitoring the situation and will be ready to intervene as soon as necessary.”
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