First snowstorm snarls Montreal traffic - 20cm forecast

It was a slow morning commute in Montreal, as the first snowstorm of the year impacted southern Quebec. (ValleyWeather)

Snowfall warnings remain in effect for southern Quebec today. Expect 15 to 20cm for Montreal, with up to 30cm in Quebec City. Winds will increase today up to 60km/h, backing to the northwest tonight and increasing to 70km/h. Widespread blowing snow will be a problem.

Another winter, same old story in Montreal. For some reason many motorists and several municipalities seemed caught off guard by the morning snow. Despite predictions for this storm days ago, it was a two hour plus morning commute for many. Lack of plowing and salting on Montreal hills and highways, combined with an absence of snow tires on many cars, slowed traffic to a crawl. The evening drive will be just a challenging. The deadline to have your winter tires installed is this Friday, December 15. By next season, the date will be moved froward to December 1st, much better for all of us.

Low pressure will move from the Ohio Valley across central New England today while strengthening. Snow started in Montreal at around 4am, with close to 10cm on the ground as of 10am. Temperatures are cold and will remain that way into this weekend. The high today may reach -5C, but will drop tonight down to -12C and remain there on Wednesday.