Winter Storm Warning

Blowing snow in Montreal this morning

10am UPDATE: A 10am visibility is under 0.5km in heavy snow and blowing snow on Montreal’s West Island. Radar is showing bands of heavy accumulating snow moving across the region and onto the island from the southwest. Look for the snow to continue through the lunch hour and into the afternoon. Visibility is poor in northeast winds over 50km/h. Travel off island is not advised.

Radar is showing steady snow - light to heavy at times stretching across eastern Ontario and into southern Quebec. Rush hour is a nightmare in Montreal with lines of cars and trucks on area highways, slippery roads and low visibility. Numerous accidents have been reported and at least one near miss (thanks to the idiot who turned into me on the Trans Canada service road). The snow will continue all day with 10-25cm expected over the region, the higher amounts along the US border. Winds are increasing out of the northeast to 50km/h at Montreal at 8am. They will gust up to 70km/h producing considerable blowing and drifting snow, especially off island. Many schools were closed south of Montreal including the Townships. Thousands of flights have been canceled at area airports including Trudeau in Montreal. The word today is call ahead. Road travel off island to the south and west is not advisable with heavy snow falling across New England and New York as well.

The storm developed a pronounced dry slot that has limited the snow in the Toronto region. They are expecting only 15cm. Radar is showing this well this morning with little snow falling in the GTA at this time.

GROUNDHOG DAY
Oh and guess who was "overshadowed" by the thing he must rely on the most - Punxsutawney Phil. This storm has limited the attention the furry forecaster usually receives. He did not see his shadow because of this storm, so I guess that means an early Spring. Time will tell.