Major storm underway in southern Quebec

Freezing rain has created treacherous driving conditions in southern Quebec Tuesday morning. Numerous accidents have been reported. (Valley Weather Photo)

Freezing rain warnings have been added to the mix this morning in southern Quebec. The freezing rain started just before 6am, and was quickly followed by a rash of major accidents around the city. Roads are covered in ice, many hills are impassable. Buses are parked in some locations until salt is put down. Highway 40 West at Cote Vertu is closed after a major accident involving several truck and cars. Many schools have closed for the day, especially off the island of Montreal. There are delays at Trudeau Airport. Even walking is dangerous at this time.

The storm in question, is located off the eastern seaboard, moving north towards Cape Cod. Abundant moisture will stream into southern Quebec today. I expect the freezing rain to change to snow shortly, as colder air is drawn into the St. Lawrence Valley. Snowfall will reach 10 to 20cm, with higher amounts northeast of Montreal. Winds are gusting over 50km/h in Montreal this morning, and are expected to increase to as much as 70km/h. Blowing snow is possible later this morning and into the afternoon. Precipitation will not taper off until after midnight. Temperatures will be steady near -3C (27F) for most of the storm.