Environment officials are warning of a potentially significant freezing rain event expected to impact several regions of Quebec beginning late Tuesday night and continuing through Thursday.
A freezing rain warning calls for 20 to 30 millimetres of ice accumulation, with the storm possibly lasting up to 24 hours. Areas expected to be affected include Greater Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, Lanaudière, the Laurentians, Parc du Mont-Tremblant, Mauricie, Drummondville and Quebec City.
After a mix of sun and cloud on Tuesday, conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight, with freezing rain beginning after midnight as temperatures drop to around –2 Celsius and northeast winds increase.
Wednesday is forecast to bring prolonged freezing rain and strong northeast winds of 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, creating hazardous travel conditions. Freezing rain or rain is expected to continue Wednesday night.
Precipitation is expected to shift mainly to periods of rain on Thursday, with windy conditions and temperatures hovering around 0 C. Skies will clear somewhat Thursday night, with temperatures dropping to minus–8 C.
Colder conditions will follow the storm, with a mix of sun and cloud on Friday and a high of minus–1 C, before snow develops Friday night.
Unsettled weather continues into the weekend, with periods of rain or snow and windy conditions on Saturday, followed by clear skies Saturday night. More snow is expected Sunday and Sunday night.
Officials warn the weight of ice could cause significant damage to trees and buildings, while transportation delays, cancellations and prolonged power outages are likely. Cold temperatures after the storm could also delay recovery and the return to normal services.
Residents are being urged to avoid non-essential travel and use extreme caution when walking or driving during the storm.
