On Sunday, February 16, 2025, a person was seen shoveling snow around their car in Montreal amid a snowstorm. Photo via THE CANADIAN PRESS
Quebec is bracing for a heavy snowstorm that is expected to bring significant snowfalls to many areas. According to climatologist David Phillips, Quebecers have already seen more snow in just one week than they did all of last year. On Thursday, around 35 centimeters of snow fell, and another 25 to 40 centimeters are expected on Sunday. The province is under a winter storm warning, and several areas, including Montreal, Quebec City, and Vaudreuil, are also facing a blizzard warning.
Due to the storm, many schools and daycare centers have announced they will close on Monday, making it challenging for parents to find care for their children.
Strong winds are making matters worse, causing snow to blow around and reducing visibility to almost nothing. Environment Canada has warned that the storm could last until early Monday morning. "The visibility just plummeted from 13 kilometers to half a kilometer," Phillips said. He also noted that the storm arrived right on schedule and is not expected to leave anytime soon.
The City of Montreal is urging residents to stay home as much as possible until the storm subsides. Authorities recommend limiting non-essential travel as conditions are expected to worsen. The Ministry of Transportation of Quebec has already predicted severe traffic disruptions and difficult driving conditions.
Over 100 flights at Montreal’s airports have been canceled or delayed due to the storm. It’s expected that parts of southern Quebec will receive as much snow this week as they typically would for the entire year. Even when the snow slows down, the strong winds will continue, creating a dangerous environment. Temperatures are also expected to drop, adding to the already hazardous conditions.
Montreal is facing its second winter storm of the week. Image via CTV
Phillips explains that the snowstorm is a result of cold air from Ontario and Quebec meeting moisture from the United States. This combination of factors has created consistent, heavy snowfalls. Within just one week, Quebec could see up to 90 centimeters of snow, which is about a third of the annual snowfall for the province. Phillips noted that residents may need to shovel or plow several times before the storm settles.
The city has also asked people to park their cars safely and clear obstacles from sidewalks to allow emergency vehicles and snowplows to do their work. Montreal has already started a snow-clearing operation to prepare for the upcoming snowfall.
Walter Assi, a renovation expert, warns homeowners and businesses to be cautious about the strain the snow could place on their properties. He recommends clearing decks and removing snow from vents to prevent damage.
In addition to the snowstorm, the area saw a 20-vehicle pile-up in Saint-Cyrille-de-Wendover, which caused the closure of Autoroute 20. Many travelers were stranded as roads became impassable. The Sûreté du Québec confirmed multiple collisions at kilometer 182 of the highway, including several heavy goods vehicles. A diversion has been put in place, but the road remains closed indefinitely.
For those who need to drive during the storm, André Durocher, spokesperson for CAA Quebec, advises extra caution. He recommends having winter tires, clearing windows, and keeping a phone tucked away. He also stresses the importance of slowing down and being prepared for unexpected events. If stranded, he suggests turning on hazard lights and keeping the car clear of traffic.
The snowstorm has created a dangerous situation across Quebec, with travel warnings in place, school closures, and significant impacts on both air and road travel. It’s crucial for residents to stay safe and take the necessary precautions.
