Break between storms for Montreal after 30cm of snow

The storm begins on L'Ile Perrot Sunday afternoon. Between 25 and 30cm of snow has fallen on Montreal since noon Sunday. (ValleyWX Photo)

The largest winter storm of the season is all but over this morning after dumping 29cm of snow on Montreal, with more to the south and west of the city. Roads are snow-covered but passable this morning. Winds will be gusty, up to 40km/h at times, but the snow should end shortly. Here on L'Ile Perrot, I measured close to 30cm (1 foot) on my driveway this morning. On Sunday, the snow fell fast and furious, with hundreds of accidents reported across southern Quebec and into Ontario. Ottawa set a record for the day, with 28cm of snow between 10am and midnight. Toronto had 15cm, the largest storm of the winter for them. The snow delayed or cancelled hundreds of flights from Montreal to Toronto, New York and Boston. Call ahead this morning and expect delays.

The system responsible for the snow is now in the Gulf of Maine, moving rapidly towards Nova Scotia. As a result, the winds will not be as strong today as originally forecast. Blowing snow will still be problematic, but mostly off the island of Montreal. The storm will be severe today in coastal Maine and Nova Scotia, and later into Newfoundland. Some locations will see in excess of 50cm of snow along with winds up to 100km/h.

The next snow maker is already on the horizon for Montreal. Low pressure will sweep across the Great Lakes Wednesday and try to merge with a coastal low. Currently I am not expecting a big storm for Montreal, but perhaps another 5 to 10cm on top of this mess. The possibility exists for more, but that scenario is becoming less likely. Temperatures will be near normal values through the end of the week, but rise above freezing by next weekend.