Potentially Violent Storm With Strong Winds & Freezing Rain To Hit Southern Quebec
- Environment Canada has issued warnings and special weather statements for much of southern Quebec as a storm moves into the area.
- See the forecast here.
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
Environment Canada has issued warnings and special weather statements for much of southern Quebec as a potentially violent storm moves into the region. For Montreal, Laval, and the South Shore, the special weather statement warns of "possible freezing precipitation and strong winds to end the week." The rain could also "accelerate the melt of the snow cover," which could mean flooding if snowmelt occurs rapidly.
So if your workplace has told you that you're working from home thanks to the growing spread of COVID-19 in Quebec, you can at least be grateful that you won't have to go out in this weather tomorrow in order to get to work.
If driving is still going to be an inevitable part of your day on Friday, consider taking it slow as "overnight Thursday to Friday and Friday morning, rain could fall as freezing rain while temperatures will be near the freezing mark."
This will make for very slippery road conditions and will likely increase the slip factor on all surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
As the temperature warms up through the day on Friday, "areas south of a line spreading from Central Abitibi toward the Beauce area may receive 15 to 25 millimetres of rain."
The regions surrounding the Montreal metro area, including Lachute, Saint-Jérôme, Lanaudière, and the Laurentians, are under warnings for freezing rain or wind.
"Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur," says Environment Canada.
Weather Network meteorologist Jaclyn Whittal further states that "some pretty heavy snowfall" is on its way to some areas.
Snowfall and winter storm warnings have been issued for regions like the Matapédia Valley, Baie-Comeau, Charlevoix, and Lac-Saint-Jean.
Take a look at the full map of Southern Quebec below.
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As Environment Canada's special weather statement notes, "an intense low-pressure system will affect the whole province on Friday and Saturday."
On the map below, areas highlighted in red are under a warning, whether it is for snowfall, winter storm, freezing rain or rainfall.
[rebelmouse-image 26886246 photo_credit="Environment Canada" expand=1 original_size="480x432"] Environment Canada
Areas in yellow are under a Weather watch for the incoming Winter storm.
For the areas in grey, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement regarding the incoming weather, as the low-pressure system's exact track remains unclear at this time.
Below is the four-day forecast for Montreal, which shows the rain beginning Thursday evening and continuing into Friday morning.
As the temperature drops Thursday evening, the potential for freezing rain will increase.
[rebelmouse-image 26886247 photo_credit="Environment Canada" expand=1 original_size="517x506"] Environment Canada
The same will be true on Friday evening as the temperature drops, potentially bringing flurries or freezing rain.
Environment Canada anticipates this weather will continue into Saturday before hopefully returning Sunday to the semi-spring weather we've been having lately.
As Environment Canada continues to track this incoming low-pressure system we will keep you updated with any new information.
