Happy New Year! Goodbye to a warm an dry 2025

The year will end on a breezy and cold note, with a few centimetres of light snow forecast for Montreal to ring in 2026. Roads and parking lots remain icy from Monday's rain and rapid freeze. Stay safe!(Valley Weather Photo)

On a personal note, I started Valley Weather in 1979, and blogging in 2005. I want to thank all of you who read my posts. I am so appreciative for your time. Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and safe New Year.

The devil is always in the details when it comes to weather. I won't throw too many numbers at you, but it was basically a warm and dry 2025 for the most part across southwestern Quebec. There were some exceptions to that statement, but they were few and far between.

Winter was relatively easy, with the exception of the massive record-breaking three day snowstorm from February 13-16 that deposited 72.4cm of snow on Montreal. That single storm represented nearly 35 percent of the seasonal snowfall total of 205.9cm at Trudeau Airport.

Spring came quickly, with mainly warm and dry conditions from May through September. The city recorded 22 days over 30C (86F), including a 6 day heatwave in August that had high temperatures surpass 35C (95F) and humidex values well into the 40s. The long-term yearly average for frequency of 30C days in Montreal is only 10. 

The warmest high recorded at Trudeau Airport was on June 24 at 35.6C (96F). The coldest morning low both at Trudeau Airport and at my home here on Ile Perrot was February 2, at -21.8C (-7.2F) and -22.7C (-8.9F) respectively. 

The strongest gust of wind reported at Trudeau Airport was 96km/h on January 27. 

September was a record dry month, with only 33mm measured for the entire month, half of that falling on one day. Despite the dry weather, we did have some notable exceptions. We mentioned the massive February snowstorm. We also has another flash flood event in Montreal, when 81.6mm fell in a few hours on the afternoon of July 13, inundating homes and highways in the central part of the island. Halloween was also very wet, with 66mm falling on October 30/31. 

The long-term average for yearly rainfall at Trudeau Airport is 818.3mm. This year Montreal measured 749.2mm. While not too far from the normal, the majority of the rainfall fell in isolated events, with long periods of dry weather in between. June, August and September were dangerously dry, and July would have been as well, were it not for one thunderstorm on July 13. Water levels dropped to historic lows on rivers and lakes, and several municipalities began enforcing watering restrictions.

The year will end on a breezy, cold note. We also have another clipper system set to deliver 5-10cm of snow on New Year's Eve. The heaviest amounts will be southwest of Montreal along the New York State border, with less here in the city. The year will start on a cold note as temperatures struggle to reach -10C, with overnight lows in the minus 20s for many locations.

I look forward to the New Year. Sadly it will be without my trusted Bella by my side for the first time in 14 years. I miss her everyday, but her spirit remains with me.

Storm a little less intense for Montreal - that was good news

Crews take advantage of a few hours of above freezing temperatures on Monday to plow away the 10mm of ice that accumulated overnight on Ile Perrot. The Montreal region had a huge break, as less precipitation and warmer temperatures resulted in less ice buildup. (Valley Weather)

I was very concerned with the forecast Sunday. The storm that just deposited 10-15mm of freezing rain on southern Quebec looked quite intense, with a path that would result in prolonged freezing rain for Montreal, followed by very strong winds and frigid cold. The result would have been significant and long-lasting power outages for our region. The threat was real and the forecast credible.

In the end, the difference was a track a little further north, as well as a much stronger storm. The result was slightly warmer and drier air being pulled into the Montreal region, allowing the freezing rain to change over to rain sooner, and most of the ice melting off the trees before the wind arrived. It was a gift. Even with that, Hydro-Quebec reported over 20,000 customers left without power, as well there were several serious accidents. Ice coated roads, sidewalks and parking lots, resulting in emergency rooms being flooded with a spike in patients with broken bones from falls.

Treacherous driving conditions Monday morning resulted in several serious accidents, including this one on Highway 20 just west of Morgan Road. Transport Québec closed the highway late Monday evening into the wee hours Tuesday to remove the truck from the ditch. (Photo Stéphane Brunet - Urgence Vaudreuil)

This storm was a beast. The center is currently spinning over central Quebec, with a deep central pressure below 970mb. Snow is being measured in feet around the Great Lakes, along with winds that approached 100km/h. Numerous highways have been closed and travel is not recommended, including west of Toronto on Highways 401 and 402 and north into the Barrie region and areas east of Lake Huron. The same is true south of Lakes Erie and Ontario in Western New York.

In southern Quebec, Trudeau reported 10.8mm of freezing rain, with a peak wind of 72km/h. Winds gusted to 81km/h at Saint Hubert Airport. In Ontario, a 106km/h wind gust was observed at Point Petre on Lake Ontario, with waves of over 20 feet reported on the open waters of the Great Lakes. North of Montreal, 21cm of snow fell in Rouyn along with blizzard conditions. South of the border several rare tornadoes were observed in Illinois and Indiana.

Meanwhile in Montreal, it is just windy and cold. Winds have been gusting in the 50-70km/h range Tuesday, with temperatures hovering around -13C (8F), with windchill readings in the mid -20s. Flurries are possible along with frigid cold into the overnight and New Year's Eve.

Windy, icy storm underway for Montreal and southern Quebec

Freezing Rain Warning in effect for Montreal. Orange Warning: Impact High - Forecast Confidence High

Precipitation has been fairly light so far in the Montreal region, but has still accumulated several millimetres of ice on trees and roadways. More freezing rain is forecast Monday, along with strong to damaging southwest winds up to 90km/h Monday afternoon. Widespread weather warnings are in effect across Ontario, Quebec, New York and New England. (Valley Weather Photo)

Wind Warning in effect for the St. Lawrence Valley. Yellow Warning: Impact: Moderate - Forecast Confidence: High. Wind gusts to 90km/h possible.

Strong low pressure has deepened rapidly over the last 24 hours to a sub 975mb low near upper Michigan. The storm will continue to strengthen while lifting into central Quebec on Monday.

Precipitation has overspread southern Quebec along a trailing warm front early Monday morning, with several millimetres of ice accretion already occurring. Temperatures remain below freezing, near -3C (27F), and will slowly warm to the freezing point later today. More rain is moving in from the southwest early Monday, so we can expect several more hours of freezing rain, with up to 15mm possible for Montreal, and up to 25mm in parts of the Ottawa Valley. Well north of Montreal, heavy snow is expected, with 15-25cm forecast.

A strong cold front will move across the region late Monday afternoon, with much colder air surging in behind it. Temperatures will fall from highs of 1CV )33F) today down to -12C (10F) by Tuesday morning. Windchill values will plumet into the minus 20s.

Along the front, winds will gust from the southwest and west up to 90km/h in the St. Lawrence Valley. The combination of ice covered trees and hydro lines will result in the potential for significant power outages across the region Monday afternoon. Winds will increase by late afternoon and early evening, easing back to 50 to 70km/h overnight and Tuesday.

Any precipitation will change back over to light snow and blowing snow late Monday.

Expect very icy roads and sidewalks today, along with strong winds and sporadic power outages later today. As of 6:15AM Monday, around 4000 Hydro-Quebec clients have no power, most are in the Montérégie, where icy precipitation has been the heaviest so far. 

Travel is very slow and icy Monday morning. Slow down! Call ahead to Trudeau Airport, where some delays and cancelations are being reported, especially to other eastern Canadian locations where poor weather is already occurring.

Significant freezing rain forecast for Montreal

The combination of freezing rain and strong winds may result in significant power outages across portions of Ontario and Quebec from late Sunday into Monday evening. Up to 15mm of ice accretion is possible in the St. Lawrence Valley. (Hydro-Quebec Photo)

Orange Warning: Freezing Rain. Impact Level: High - Forecast Confidence: High

Strong low pressure will combine with arctic high pressure at the surface to produce and extended period of freezing rain across southwestern Quebec and eastern Ontario from late Sunday into late Monday afternoon. A warm front will be the focus of steady freezing rain along with gusty northeast winds in the St. Lawrence Valley.

Cold arctic high pressure will keep chilly air at the surface here in the St. Lawrence Valley, while a strengthening winter storm moves across the central Great Lakes towards Montreal. A second area of low pressure is forecast to develop south of Montreal on Monday. The combination of both these low pressure areas, will produce up to 15mm of ice accretion across the St. Lawrence Valley. Precipitation may briefly turn to rain across extreme southern areas on Monday, but it will be short in nature as cold air quickly returns.

Travel will be very difficult from late Sunday into the Monday morning commute. Roads and sidewalks will be extremely slippery. The weight of ice on trees and wires may produce significant disruptions to the power grid.

Temperatures will warm very slowly Sunday night, up to 0C (32F) on Monday. As the low moves to our east, a strong cold front will usher in freezing temperatures along with strong northwest winds in excess of 60km/h. Any leftover precipitation will end as snow and blowing snow Monday afternoon. The combination of ice and increasing northwest winds may result in additional power outages.

Plan now for dangerous travel and the risk of extended power outages. Much colder air will follow in the wake of the storm, with lows Monday night in Montreal as cold as -12C (14F). Temperatures will remain very cold into the New Year.

White Christmas for Montreal?

Despite the 34cm that has fallen this December in Montreal, we were looking at another green Christmas. That changed Monday evening with a quick hitting 1-2cm of snow. This will be followed by another 5-10cm of fresh snow on Tuesday. So if snow is your thing for the holidays, you should be happy. Drive safe. (Valley Weather Photo)

If snow at the Holidays is your thing, then you will have an 11th hour reprieve. It certainly looked guaranteed for most of Canada in 2025, but then the "blowtorch" set up across the southwestern US and has been pumping very warm air northward. As a matter of fact, several parts of the US, right up to the Great Lakes can expect record-breaking warmth for Christmas Day.

That warm air will remain just to the South of Montreal and the St. Lawrence Valley, and that may lead to bigger problems for southern Ontario and Quebec by the weekend, in the form of significant freezing rain. More on that later in the week. For now, our attention turns to the Christmas Day travel forecast.

Environment Canada defines a white Christmas as 2cm or more on the ground at your location at 7am, December 25th. Montreal in 2023 had no snow on the ground, a more common occurrence of late. Last December, 10cm fell on Christmas Eve, just in time. This year we can expect the same. Another in a never-ending series of Alberta Clippers is set to swing across the Great Lakes and south of Montreal Tuesday.

Snow will begin midday today and end after midnight. A general 5-10cm is forecast for Montreal and the Ottawa Valley. Higher elevations may see 10 to 15cm. There is the chance of a little light freezing drizzle mixing in as well this afternoon. Temperatures will warm to around -3C (27F) for Tuesday, cooling back down to -6C (21F) tonight.

Roads will become snow covered and travel a little slow today. As we witnessed during the Monday evening commute in Montreal, it does not take much snow to make travel difficult. Light snow accumulated a quick 1.4cm at Trudeau Airport Monday afternoon. The result was numerous accidents in the Montreal region, even with the lighter-than-normal holiday volume.

The message is the same, adjust your speed, avoid sudden moves and clean off your vehicle. Take the extra time and arrive alive. There have been so many serious accidents this month.

Christmas Day looks calm for our region, with perhaps a few flurries along with cold temperatures. More active weather is on the way for the weekend. I will have more on that later this week.

Another round of strong winds for southern Quebec Sunday

Strong winds, up to 100km/h in parts of Quebec, cut power to over 100,000 Hydro-Quebec clients on Friday. The utility had over 500 crews working on the outages, and the number has since been reduced to 25,000. Another strong frontal boundary will produce wind gusts to 80km/h overnight and Sunday. (Hydro-Québec Photo)

NEW: YELLOW Snow Squall watch in effect for Montreal. Forecast Confidence: High / Impact Level: Moderate. Strong winds up to 80km/h are possible Sunday.

We just came off a wind event that resulted in power outages to over 100,000 Hydro-Quebec customers. As of Saturday evening, close to 25,000 remain without power in the province. On Friday, winds gusted between 80 and 90km/h in the Montreal region, and well over 100km/h in other parts of the province. The culprit was deep low pressure that moved well north of the Saint Lawrence Valley. A strong arctic boundary trailing from the front, was the focus for the fierce southwest and west winds along with some snow squalls and rapidly falling temperatures.

After a few hours of rare sunshine early Saturday morning, clouds are on the increase again as yet another clipper system passes north of Montreal. More flurries and strong winds are forecast for Saturday night and Sunday across southern Quebec and Ontario. (Valley Weather Photo)

In advance of the front, temperatures soared across southern Quebec, reaching a record-setting 12.6C (54F) in Montreal, smashing the 1979 record of 8.3C (47F). The warmth came in what had been to date, one of the coldest and snowiest starts to the winter season in decades in Montreal. But within hours, our entire snow cover is gone in the city, with just patches remaining. We may refresh the snow cover over the next couple of days and salvage a white Christmas here in the south, but that has yet to be seen.

Another strong wind event is on our doorstep as another clipper type system passes close to Montreal. Some wet snow or rain overnight, will transition to flurries and snow squalls Sunday as a cold front crosses the region. Once again strong west and southwest winds are likely in advance of and along the front, gusting between 50-80km/h. Temperatures will rise this evening up to and slightly above freezing, then dropping Sunday to -5C (23F) by the noon hour.

Some of the squalls that develop late tonight and early Sunday may be briefly intense, especially along the cold front. There is a chance for 2 to 5cm of snow locally. Roads may become icy and snow covered and visibility greatly reduced in the most intense squalls.

Skies clear out briefly late Sunday, before more weak clipper systems impact our region late Monday and Tuesday.

Wind warnings in effect for the Montreal region

Crews will get a brief break over the next 36 hours, as snow is replaced by rain and mild temperatures. A strong arctic front will plunge temperatures back below freezing Friday afternoon in Montreal, with strong winds and flurries forecast into Saturday morning. More snow is possible on Sunday.

Yellow Wind Warning for southern Quebec. Impact Level: Moderate / Forecast Confidence: High

Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for most of southern Quebec. Strong and gusty southwest winds will develop Thursday evening in advance of deep low pressure moving across northern Ontario into central Quebec. In advance of the storm, southwest winds will push very warm air into the St. Lawrence Valley into Friday morning. Winds will gust up to 70km/h. Temperatures will soar to well-above normal values of 8C (48F) on Friday morning. In a month that has been so cold, it is hard to believe we may have a record high on Friday. The current record is 8.3C (48F), set in 1949.

The surge of warm air will be short-lived as a powerful arctic front will cross the Montreal region during the afternoon hours. Temperatures will fall quickly behind the front on strong northwest winds, gusting up to 100km/h. The wind should ease by midnight. Winds this strong are capable of power outages and tree damage. Winds may even exceed 100km/h on the South Shore.

A steady soaking rain, up to 15mm is likely along the leading edge of the cold air Friday morning. There may even be a rumble or two of thunder in the St. Lawrence Valley. Behind the front, any leftover precipitation will change over to snow showers and flurries, with blowing snow possible for any locations that receive accumulations. The temperatures will fall well below freezing by evening, down to -10C (14F) by Saturday morning.

This storm has had a history of strong and damaging winds, from southern British Columbia across the Prairies and into northwestern Ontario. Power outages have been widespread, with even injuries and one fatality reported from the wind. In southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the wind was accompanied by heavy snow and plummeting temperatures, producing several hour of blizzard conditions, with numerous road closures.

The warm air on Friday will surge into the central portion of Quebec, but will only last a few hours. Heavy snow, blowing snow and dangerous cold will rapidly replace the warm air north of Montreal, as winter surges back into that region by Friday afternoon. Travel may become quite difficult in many parts of Ontario and Quebec Friday afternoon and evening.

Brief warming trend followed by cold weather through the holidays for Montreal

A snowy scene along Sennevile Road late last week. To date 60cm of snow has already fallen at Trudeau Airport since November 1st, and winter has not officially started. A warming trend this week will eat away at the snow pack, but it should be refreshed starting Saturday, as colder air returns. (Valley Weather)

The winter solstice does not occur until December 21st, regardless it certainly has been a cold, snowy stretch of weather for southern Quebec. Monday was another frigid morning, with -15C (5F) at Trudeau Airport, along with windchill values in the minus 20s. The bitterly cold weather will persist for one more day, before a significant, however brief warm up occurs. Enjoy the mild weather, as it appears our region will remain below freezing from Saturday through the end of the month.

It has been the winter of the clipper so far. Another series of weak clipper systems will impact the St. Lawrence valley and parts of Ontario and Quebec this week. On Monday and Tuesday we can expect flurries, with high temperatures in Montreal around -5C (23F).

By Wednesday, another weak area of low pressure is expected to pass north of the city, allowing warmer air to be drawn into our region. Highs are expected above freezing, 3C (38F), with flurries changing to showers.

On Thursday, a stronger low pressure will pass north of Montreal once again, with a steady rain possible. Gusty southwesterly winds will draw in even warmer air, with highs close to 5C (41F). The warm weather will come to abrupt end on Friday, as a strong cold front sweeps across the region. Rain will change to snow, accompanied by strong northwest winds. The timing of the front along with amount of precipitation will be determined at the event draws closer, but expect a difficult driving day for some regions at some point on Friday. Temperatures will fall from daytime highs of 5C (41F) down to -17C (2F) by Saturday morning.

The active, highly changeable weather this week may lead to icy, difficult road conditions at times. If you have travel plans listen for the latest forecasts and updates and for any weather warnings which may be issued later this week.

Snowfall Warning posted for southern Quebec

A few centimetres of  fluffy light snow overnight made for a slick Wednesday morning commute in Montreal. Like a broken record this month to date, there were numerous accidents reported. Roads will be in even worse shape for the Wednesday evening drive home, as moderate snow is forecast for the Montreal region. (Valley Weather)

 An Alberta Clipper storm system will slide across the Great Lakes on Wednesday and down the St. Lawrence Valley. An area of steady snow is currently approaching the Montreal region, with as much as 10cm expected over the next few hours. The snow will become lighter overnight and taper off on Thursday, with another 5-10cm possible.

Widespread snowfall warnings are in effect from southern Ontario into southern Quebec. On the backside of the low pressure, winds will increase sharply on Thursday, gusting up to 60km/h. The temperature will fall as well from early morning highs near the freezing point to -10C (14F) by afternoon. The gusty winds will produce areas of blowing snow, along with significant windchill values, into the minus 20s.

Travel was already difficult on Wednesday morning, with numerous accidents reported in the region. One accident closed Highway 50 near Mirabel in both directions. Roads will continue to be in poor shape during the Wednesday afternoon commute in Montreal, with moderate snow and icy road surfaces. In eastern Ontario, moderate snow resulted in most regions canceling school bus service.

Conditions should improve Thursday afternoon, but the weather will remain breezy and cold.

Throwback cold and snowy winter underway in Montreal

Winter has started early in Montreal this year, with below normal temperatures and frequent snowfalls. While accumulations have been light for the most part, the frequency of the snow is keeping roads slick and icy and road crews busy. (Valley Weather Photo)

It has been years since Montreal had below normal temperatures to start December, but that is what we have in 2025. The temperatures on Monday morning was a chilly -18C (0F), this after Friday mornings low of -19C (-2F) on Ile Perrot. To date 8.2cm of snow has fallen at Trudeau Airport, on top of the 28cm that fell in November. The monthly mean for November was 1.1C below normal, the first time in months we have had a below normal average. 

The cold temperatures combined with Sunday's snowfall left roads icy during the Monday morning commute. Once again, there have been a rash of serious accidents across the Montreal region, as drivers fail to respond to the road conditions. Reduce your speed, clean your vehicle off and make certain you have snow tires on, the law since December 1st here in Quebec.

The long-term average high/low for early December in Montreal, is -1C/-9C respectively.  The high in Montreal on Monday will only be -13C (9F), with windchill values in the minus 20s. We will see a slight moderation in temperatures midweek as a series of clipper systems moves from western Canada across the Great Lakes and just south of Montreal.

Two Alberta Clippers over the weekend managed to accumulate 5-10cm of snow across most parts of southern Quebec. More clipper type systems are expected this week, along with continued cold temperatures. (Valley Weather Photo)

The first in the series of low pressure systems will arrive late Tuesday, with a few light snow showers possible for southern Quebec. A stronger system arrives on Wednesday, with a period of steadier snow, perhaps 5-10cm, followed by another surge of cold air. The high on Tuesday and Wednesday will be between -1C and -3C (27F to 30F), before dropping back into the -10C range by Friday.

More snow is possible to end the week as yet another area of low pressure approaches from the Great Lakes. The good news so far is that most of these storm systems are expected to be on the weaker side.

One thing is certain, expect below normal temperatures to persist through the holidays.

Arctic cold front and snow squalls for Montreal

Snow squalls are expected Thursday across portions of southern Ontario and Quebec. The most intense squalls will occur closer to the Great Lakes in Ontario, and briefly along an arctic boundary expected during the pre-dawn hours in Montreal. Frigid air will pour into the region Thursday afternoon, with windchill values approaching -20C. (OPP Photo)

A strong cold front will slide across the St Lawrence Valley in the pre-dawn hours on Thursday morning, bringing with it some intense but brief snow showers along with plunging temperatures. In Montreal the front should arrive before the morning commute. Roads may become snow covered and icy in southern Quebec.

First off we have milder southwest winds Wednesday evening, that will push the temperature briefly above the freezing point. Already the cold front can be seen on radar over central Ontario. During the overnight, flurries should develop, enhanced locally by moisture from Lake Ontario funneling down the St. Lawrence Valley. The burst of snow arrives in the wee hours, followed by a rapid drop in temperatures for Montreal. 

Thursday's high will be reached in the early morning hours, dropping all day into the minus teens by supper. Adding to the cold, will be gusty northwest winds of 40-60 km/h. Wind chill values will drop into the minus 20s for may locations.

Only a centimetre or two of fresh snow is possible at any one location, but it will be enough to make roads slick, along with reduced visibility at times. Skies will clear out late Thursday, making for frigid overnight lows near -18C (0F) in Montreal and even colder north and west of the city.

Temperatures will moderate during the day on Friday up to -7C (19F), but more cold air and snow is expected by Sunday and into next week as winter takes hold across southern Quebec and eastern Ontario.

Cold, snowy week ahead - Meteorological Winter has arrived in Montreal

A strong cold front has ushered out the foggy damp weather from last week in Montreal and announced the arrival of Meteorological Winter. A cold, snowy pattern will become established for at least the upcoming week if not longer. (Valley Weather)

December 1st in Montreal, the unofficial start of the Holiday Season, the winter tire deadline and the official start to Meteorological Winter. The equinox will not occur until December 21st, but trust me winter is here.

On Sunday a few centimetres of wet snow fell in Montreal, which promptly froze overnight as a cold front swept across the region. Temperatures fell from above freezing around midnight, to current readings in the -6C (21F) range in Montreal. Gusty northwest winds of up to 50km/h have dropped wind chill values into the minus teens for the first time this season. High pressure will briefly build in today, but it will remain cold with steady temperatures. Sunday's snow brought an end to what was a wintry month in the city, with 28cm of snow falling.

Heavy lake effect snow over the last week resulted in dangerous driving conditions along with hundreds of accidents for many parts of southern and eastern Ontario. More snow is expected this week as a strong arctic boundary sweeps across Ontario and Quebec by Thursday. (Ontario Storm Reports)

Overnight into Tuesday, a deepening winter storm will move from the Ohio Valley across southern New England and off the eastern seaboard. Montreal will remain on the northern edge of the heaviest precipitation, with light snow expected for the city. Gusty northeast winds will make it feel very cold, with daytime highs around -4C (25F). At this time, only a couple of centimetres are expected for Montreal, with less to the north of the city and between 5 and 10cm along the US border. 

On Wednesday and arctic boundary will be approaching the region from Ontario. This front will deliver a round of snow flurries and squalls late Wednesday into Thursday morning, along with a reenforcing shot of cold air. Temperatures will drop into the minus teens for lows and only to -8C (18F) for a high on Thursday.

More snowy weather along with cold temperatures are expected for next weekend as winter takes hold in Montreal. While no major storms are on the horizon at this time, a bunch of smaller events will still create slick driving conditions at times. Winter is here! Give yourself extra time, clean off your car and bring patience with you when you leave your home and make certain you have winter tires on. Stay safe.

Environment and Climate Change Canada announces new weather warning guidelines

The devastating and historic 1998 Ice Storm here in Montreal would be an example of a Red Weather Warning under the new ECCC guidelines. (Hydro-Quebec)

On a day when a strong Great Lakes storm, a November Witch, is unleashing heavy lake effect snow, strong winds and towering waves, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) announced it has established a new way of warning Canadiens about severe weather.

All weather warnings will now be accompanied by a colour code, Yellow, Orange or Red. Each level will describe the severity of the anticipated weather event as well as its impact on the general public. There is also a level of forecaster confidence attached to each colour as described in the public warning when issued by ECCC.

“We continue to experience more frequent and extreme weather in Canada, which makes it more important than ever for Canadians to have access to clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand weather alerts. By improving how severe weather is reported, we are helping Canadians better understand and prepare for potential impacts, so they can make informed decisions about how and when to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property.”
according to The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

A Yellow Warning is the most common type. Currently there are yellow warnings in effect for parts of central Ontario and Quebec for snow and blowing snow. Yellow warnings are used to describe severe weather events that are moderate in nature, localized and for a short-term. They would include most regular heavy snowfalls that occur here in the Montreal area, such as the 15-25cm events.

An Orange Warning will be less common and associated with a weather event that can be much more damaging or disruptive. They would include blizzards and severe thunderstorms or heavy lake effect snow events. Major widespread damage would be possible, along with disruptions lasting a few days. Orange warnings are in effect today for parts of the snow belt regions surrounding the Great Lakes.

Red Warnings will be rare. They will involve an elevated level in forecaster confidence for the event to produce life-threatening, extensive, prolonged and widespread damage. An example of this would be the 1998 Eastern Canadian Ice Storm or the Atmospheric River flooding in British Columbia in 2021.

Personally, I think any program that will provide more details to the general public regarding incoming severe weather, will be more than welcome.

The new guidelines came into effect on Wednesday, November 26, and is already being implemented for current forecasts.

Mild weather week followed by a significant pattern change for southern Quebec

Milder weather this past week has melted away most of the 25cm of snow that has fallen in Montreal this November. Much colder air along with more significant snow is possible by the first week of December. (Valley Weather)

We have a mild Monday morning in Montreal, but not without a few icy spots after Sunday's wet snow. On Sunday, another 1 to 2cm of snow fell on the city, bringing the monthly total to over 25cm. Last November we had none. The trend for snowy weather will return, but not until the first few days of December. Until then, we can expect a very mild week, with periods of light rain at times through Thursday. Skies will be mostly cloudy, but temperatures will be mild, with daytime highs between 3C and 7C (38F-45F) and overnight lows near the freezing point.

On Thursday, a strong cold front will will move across Ontario and Quebec, introducing the pattern change I mentioned in the title. Thursday will be very windy. Strong northwest winds behind the cold front may gust up to 70km/h across parts of Ontario and Quebec. That wind will deliver colder air to our region. Temperatures will drop to or below the freezing point. Those gusty winds will also turn on the Great Lakes snow machine, with winter storm watches already in effect for parts of central Ontario as well as western New York. They are being issued early in anticipation of the big travel period associated with the American Thanksgiving holiday.

For our region, only flurries are expected on Thursday and Friday, with perhaps a little more snow as you head down Highway 401 towards Brockville and Kington.

Much colder air and the chance for some significant snow are possible for the first week of December in Montreal, as a much more winter-like pattern begins to evolve. High temperatures are expected to be below freezing by the middle of next week and remain there for the foreseeable future.

Another snowy Monday morning commute in Montreal

Above the snowy construction zone on the approach to the new Iles-aux-Tourtes Bridge along Highway 40 in Senneville Monday morning. Roads are snow covered and extremely slipper, especially off island. The snow should taper off Monday morning after an additional 3-5cm. (Valley Weather)

Mother Nature seems to be dictating the terms this November, leaving meteorologists and us amateurs alike a little surprised at times. Over the weekend, more rain than freezing rain fell for most of us, despite expectations of up to 10mm of ice. In total, 8.6mm of liquid precipitation fell late Saturday into early Sunday, morning, followed by close to 5cm of snow for Montréal. Snowfall amounts were much higher east and northeast of the city, where 10 to 20cm fell.

The system in question is now located over Prince Edward Island, but the broad circulation around the deepening low pressure is driving cold northwest winds across the St. Lawrence Valley and Great Lakes, producing numerous snow showers. Some locations, especially around the Great Lakes and the upslope higher elevations of the Eastern Townships, Green Mountain and Adirondacks can expect in excess of 20cm of snow through Monday.

Here in Montreal, the snow has been steady early Monday morning, but should taper off quickly today, with perhaps another 3 to 5cm of snow expected for the city. Unless of course Mother Nature feels like adding more.

The result has been a very slick commute in the city, with numerous accidents reported once again. One accident on the South Shore along Highway 30, resulted in a terrible commute from Chateauguay and neighbouring communities. Roads have been snow covered, especially off island. Visibility is also reduced at times in blowing and drifting snow, as winds gust from the northwest 30-50km/h. The winds will remain gusty into this evening. Temperatures will hover around the freezing point all day.

The message is always the same if you must drive, clean your windows and slow down. Winter tires are essential now, and mandatory in Quebec as of December 1st.

Freezing Rain Warning for metro Montreal

Another round of winter weather is expected in southern Quebec and Ontario Saturday night. Expect icy travel into Sunday morning for many parts of the province.

Freezing Rain Warning in effect for Montreal, southern Quebec and the Ottawa Valley.

Precipitation will start this afternoon in Ontario, and early this evening in Montreal. 

A large area of low pressure will slide southeast across the Great Lakes toward southern Quebec later Saturday. A secondary low is expected to develop over New York State and move towards Atlantic Canada.

A warm front will lift across the St. Lawrence Valley Saturday evening, and become the focus for freezing rain. Light snow will start late in the day in Montreal and become mixed with freezing rain Saturday evening. Amounts have been lowered with recent computer runs, with 2-4cm of snow expected, along with 2-5mm of frozen precipitation for Montreal. Roads will become slippery this evening, along with sporadic power outages. Winds will increase form the northeast 20-40km/h, eventually becoming northwest on Sunday, 30-50km/h.

Mostly snow is expected well north and east of Montreal, with 10-20cm possible. This includes Quebec City and the Highway 20 corridor northeast of Montreal.

Temperatures in Montréal will rise to near 0C (32F) this evening and drop on Sunday behind the system, back below freezing by midday. Flurries are possible on Sunday with another 2cm possible. Some heavier but brief bursts of snow are possible on Sunday as well. We saw this Friday afternoon as instability in the atmosphere produced some rather robust snow showers. There were several serious accidents, including one that closed Highway 50 near Papineauville.

So remember, winter driving is here. While precipitation amounts have been lowered, the number of accidents this past week has shown us that road surfaces only need a glaze of ice to become extremely dangerous.  

Another round of wintery weather for Montreal

Montreal had 5 consecutive days with measurable snow this past week. This is very unusual for November. Another round of snow and freezing rain is on the way for late Saturday into Sunday. The good news is that more seasonable weather is expected by late next week. (Valley Weather)

Special Weather Statement for the risk of freezing rain this weekend in Ontario and southern Quebec.

Another round of freezing rain and snow is expected this weekend for a large portion of Ontario and Quebec. Another complex area of low pressure will move from the central US into the St. Lawrence Valley on Saturday. A warm front will lift across the region, with an area of steady freezing rain mixed with snow ahead of it. Precipitation will start in Ontario Saturday morning reaching Montreal by the evening hours.

Freezing rain warnings are already in effect for western Quebec and the upper Ottawa Valley and they will likely be extended into southern Quebec and eastern Ontario later today or Saturday morning.

Friday will be fair as high pressure tries to nudge into the region. But the airmass is still rather moist and unstable from this week's precipitation and some fog and low clouds may remain for at least the morning. Temperatures will be a touch warmer than they have been all week in Montreal, reaching 4C (39F) on Friday.

Partly cloudy skies Friday night will allow the temperature to fall quickly, down to -5C (23F). Saturday will feature increasing clouds, breezy conditions and eventually the snow and freezing rain mix by late in the day. Highs will be near 0C (32F).

Hydro-Québec is looking at more potential power outages in the province this weekend, with snow and freezing rain in the forecast. The utility is still repairing damage from Monday's snowstorm, that saw as many as 400,000 customers in the dark at height of the event. As of Friday morning the number was down to just under 3000. (Hydro-Québec Photo)

At this time as much as 10mm of ice accretion is possible from Montreal to Cornwall, less north where more snow is likely and south of the city where rain is forecast. That amount of ice will produce very slick roads and sidewalks and possible power outages. This is not good news for the Hydro-Quebec crews that have been working all week repairing the damage from Monday's snowstorm. There are still close to 3000 customers without power.

To complicate matters, a second area of low pressure will develop near New York City and move north into Maine. This will likely change any freezing rain or rain back to all snow on Sunday from west to east as temperatures drop back below freezing from early morning highs in Montreal of 3C (38F).

The good news is that next week looks a touch calmer, with warmer temperatures by the weekend.

Montreal had 5 consecutive days with measurable snow this week at Trudeau Airport. This is quite unusual for November. Total accumulations since Sunday ranged from 15 to 25cm across the Montreal region for the week. Most of that is in the process of melting away as rain has mixed in over the last 36 hours.

Heavy wet snow results in widespread power outages across Southern Quebec

Hydro-Quebec is dealing with a significant number of outages on Tuesday morning as a result of heavy wet snow. Over 377,000 customers are without power across the province, the majority here in the southwest corner. Montreal alone is reporting over 41,000 in the dark. (Hydro-Quebec)

Between 10-20cm of snow fell across the Island of Montreal in under 6 hours.

As of 7AM Tuesday, 375,00 Hydro-Quebec customers have no power.

Roads are snow covered, icy and dangerous - some school are closed for the day.

The upper level low responsible for our winter-like weather on Sunday, spawned a weak surface low over Vermont that moved north late Monday, providing enough lift to produce heavy wet snow across the extreme southwestern corner of Quebec. In under 6 hours, over 10cm of heavy wet snow fell, weighing down trees, many which still have leaves on them, onto power lines.

A narrow band of heavy wet snow developed on the backside of this past weekends storm, dumping a quick 10-20cm of heavy wet snow from Plattsburgh and Burlington north into Montreal. The snow caught many by surprise resulting in scores of accidents during the Monday evening commute. (Valley Weather)

The result has been widespread power outages, with Hydro-Quebec reporting over 1000 individual breaks in the system, with 377,620 customers without power as of 7am Tuesday morning. That includes 41,820 on the Island of Montreal and 19,496 in Laval. The utility has responded with crews, but strong winds and continued snowfall are slowing down the recovery operation.

In Montreal, the snow resulted in very dangerous travel conditions, with a rash of accidents reported during the evening hours. Travel remains very poor Tuesday morning, with many roads snow covered, with hard packed snow and ice on many secondary roads. Travel with great caution and remain off the roads if you do not have winter tires on.

The same system continues to push waves of light snow across Southern Quebec Tuesday morning, with another 2 to 4cm possible today. Winds will be gusty from the northwest at 30-50km/h, and temperatures will remain cold for Remembrance Day, around -2C (29F). If you have plans to attend a service, dress warmly.

Wintry weather causes accidents and power outages in the Montreal region

Seven hours of freezing rain coated trees and power lines in parts of Montreal on Sunday. More than 14,000 Hydro-Quebec customers were left without power. (Valley Weather Photo)

A messy mix of snow and freezing rain moved across southern Ontario and Quebec on Sunday, as the first winter storm of the season moved from Ohio into Maine. Montreal was right on the snow/rain line, with a few hours of snow to start, followed by 7 hours of freezing rain.

The mixed bag of precipitation took a toll on roads and power lines. Several major crashes occurred, including one on Highway 19 involving 20 cars. Others were reported on the west end of the island, where anything elevated become iced over quickly during the afternoon hours.

Power lines and trees were coated in ice as well, this was especially true right along the St. Lawrence River. Outages totalled close to 15,000 at the height of the storm, that number is down to 9,500 Monday morning. Most involve trees coming in contact with wires.

In Montreal the mercury sat right around the freezing point, with around 10mm of freezing rain falling and 1-3cm of wet snow, depending on your exact location. Further north and west, it was all snow. Ottawa reported 12cm, while Roberval, north of Montreal measured 15cm. Winds gusted well over 60km/h at times, making for a real raw November day.

More snow fell in Ottawa, with 12cm observed. Roads were slick in eastern Ontario, with hundreds of accidents reported. (Photo: 613Wrecked)

In Ontario, hundreds of accidents were reported by the OPP along both highways 401 and 417. Most of Ontario reported mainly snow, with the exception of a narrow sliver along the Saint Lawrence River from Kingston to Cornwall.

The weather will continue to be winter like this week, with significant lake effect snow expected south and east of the Great Lakes. Here in southern Quebec, expect flurries off and on through Tuesday evening, along with moderate northwest winds to 50km/h. Snow may accumulate locally 2-4cm, especially if we tap into some Great Lakes moisture.

Temperatures will fall on Monday below freezing again, down to -2C (29F) Tuesday morning and remain stationary all day. The weather will remain unsettled all week, with a mix of rain and snow froecast for Wednesday. Amounts should be on the light side, but expect slick spots when driving.

Have those winter tires installed and please use common sense and courtesy and clean the ice and snow off your car. I noticed on my Monday morning commute, ice flying off several vehicles and striking others. Please take a few minutes and clean your vehicle.

The 50th Anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - November 10

The Edmund Fitzgerald in calmer times. (Photo: Bob Campbell)

The wind in the wires made a tattle-tale sound
And a wave broke over the railing
And every man knew, as the captain did too,
T'was the witch of November come stealin'.
Gordon Lightfoot
© 1976 Moose Music, Inc.

It was 50 years ago on November 10, 1975 at approximately 7:20 pm that the iron ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald went down in a fierce fall storm on Lake Superior. While weather played a definite role, the exact details of the sinking of the ship remain a mystery today. The ship went down quickly, with very little warning or Mayday, taking 29 lives with her. The sinking was caused in part by a strong November Gale or "November Witch". Oddly enough on this 50th Anniversary, we have a similar but weaker storm heading from the Ohio Valley towards the Great Lakes over the next 48 hours. A gale warning is in effect for parts of the region, with the system expected to produce rough waters, strong winds, lake effect snow and rain.

The mangled lifeboat was recovered shortly after the sinking, showing the power of the wind and waves that night. The exact cause of the sinking remains a mystery still today 50 years later. (mghd.org)

The 1975 storm was as intense as they come with 20 foot waves on Lake Superior and winds gusting well over 50 knots. The severe weather was confined to an area along the immediate trajectory of the storm, and especially rough in the waters of eastern Lake Superior, exactly where the Edmund Fitzgerald was. It was a case of the wrong place at exactly the wrong time. The storm was known as a November Witch and classified as a weather bomb, with rapidly dropping pressure from 1000mb over Kansas to 978mb over James Bay in less than 24 hours. The rapid intensification and speed of the storm caught the ship and its crew almost without warning. 

Several memorial services are planned each year including the annual event at Whitefish Point, Michigan, not far from the final resting place of the majestic ship and her crew of 29 brave men. The bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald was recovered in 1995 and has been rung 30 times each year at Whitefish Point on the anniversary of her sinking. This represents all 29 men on board as well as the many others who have perished on Lake Superior. The ship sits in 162 metres (about 530 feet) of water just inside the Canadian boundary, 17 miles north of Whitefish Point, Michigan in Lake Superior.

The chilling image of the Edmund Fitzgerald, resting as a memorial to her 29 man crew in 530 feet of water in  Lake Superior. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Photo)

The wreck has been investigated on at least 30 dives, but none since 1995. Ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the late Jacques Cousteau became the first person to lay eyes on the ship in 1980. "The ship was amazingly beautiful because it's deep and cold and nothing's growing on it or very little," he said. Dives to the ship were suspended in 1995 after the bell was recovered by the Canadian Navy and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The wreck is now considered a protected gravesite and no further permits have been issued by the Canadian Government in the last 30 years.

The exact cause of the sinking of the great Edmund Fitzgerald remains a hotly debated mystery still today, 50 years later. Some think the ship struck bottom near Caribou Island and began taking on water. Others think a massive roque wave drove her straight to the bottom of Lake Superior where she rests in a matter of minutes. Still others say the ship broke in two from constant wear over the lifespan of the ship, which dated back to June 7, 1958.

The launch of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Wisconsin on June 7, 1958. (Fox News Detroit) 

The Edmund Fitzgerald had left Superior, Wisconsin late in the day on November 9th, 1975 with a cargo of 26,116 tons of taconite pellets on her way to Detroit. There are a series of photos, information and very chilling radio chatter from 1975 at www.shipwreckmuseum.com

Snowfall Warning for Montreal

The first significant snow of the season will arrive on Sunday, with 10 to 20cm possible from Montreal north and west into the Ottawa Valley and the Laurentians. Travel will be difficult at best.

Snowfall Warning in effect for metro Montreal, eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley for Sunday.

The first significant snowfall of the season is expected Sunday into Monday across portions of southern Ontario into southwestern Quebec. Low pressure will move down the St. Lawrence Valley on Sunday and east of Montreal into New England on Monday.

The warmer temperatures of early Saturday are gone for at least the next week if not longer. Montreal reached 10C (50F) during the overnight hours as a warm front lifted across the region. That was quickly followed by a cold front, gusty northwest winds, flurries and dropping temperatures for most of Saturday. Overnight lows by Sunday morning will be near -1C (30F) and remain nearly stationary all day Sunday.

Snow will overspread the region Sunday morning, possibly mixed with freezing rain or rain south of the St. Lawrence River, with all snow north of the valley. Expect 5 to 10cm of snow on Sunday in Montreal, with an additional 5 to 10cm by Monday morning. Roads will become snow covered and slippery.  Northeast winds of 20-40km/h will make it feel even colder, and lower visibilities in steady snow. This will be a shock for many, as Montreal has barely had a snowflake or any frost so far this fall.

Driving conditions will become very poor on area highways, especially as this is the first snow of the season, and most drivers are not prepared. Leave the car at home if you do not have winter tires installed. Consider changing travel plans if possible and perhaps working from home on Monday.

Colder air will filter in behind the low Sunday night, changing any mixed precipitation back to all snow. Temperatures will remain at or below 0C (32F) throughout Monday. The week ahead will remain unsettled and cold with more flurries possible through Wednesday.

First snowflakes of the season on the horizon for Montreal

Snow has already fallen this week in spots across the Eastern Townships into the White mountains of New Hampshire and parts of Vermont. More snow is expected through Monday, with locations like Jay Peak, Vermont picking up as much as 20cm. Snow may also fall in the valley locations by Sunday night, including Montreal. (NHDOT Photo)

Measurable snow is possible by late Sunday into Monday morning for parts of southern Quebec.

First of all, if you do not have your snow tires on yet, now is the time to seriously consider doing so. Our weather will turn unseasonably cold over the next week, while a series of clipper systems moves southeast across Ontario and into New England. This will produce enough cold air for some snow to fall. While this will not be a big storm, the first snow of the season in any form usually sparks panic on the roads. Be ready!

Alberta Clippers are weaker areas of low pressure that develop in the southern Prairies and move rather quickly east across Ontario and Quebec. They often gain a little strength when the waters of the Great Lakes have yet to freeze. Clippers usually have limited moisture, so they are not our big storms, but they do produce squally weather, strong winds and a sharp drop in the temperatures on the back side of the systems.

November has already produced more seasonable weather in Montreal, after a warm September and October. Snow may fall next week across parts of southern Quebec. (Valley Weather Photo)

We have three such systems forecast to move across our region through Monday. The first on Wednesday, will produce showers and gusty west winds. Wind speeds may top 60km/h in the St. Lawrence Valley. Temperatures will only reach 6C (43F) for a high, followed by morning lows close to the freezing point. On Thursday, behind the first clipper, temperatures will hold steady at 2C (36F), along with blustery conditions and perhaps a snowflake or two. The chilly air will persist into Friday.

Another clipper late Friday, will pass north of Montreal, allowing some warm air to briefly enter the forecast. After a cold morning, highs will reach 8C (47F) on Saturday. On Sunday, the strongest of the three clippers will move south of Montreal, dragging a potent cold front behind it. Temperature will fall to below freezing Sunday night as the coldest air of the season to date arrives across Ontario and Quebec.

Any rain Sunday will change to wet snow overnight into Monday morning across the Ottawa Valley and into Montreal, with a slushy centimetre or two possible for many locations. Temperatures will drop below freezing Sunday night and likely remain near 0C (32F) for highs on Monday. Tuesday will remain breezy and cold, with flurries and a high near 2C (36F).

By the way, how cold is the air over Northern Canada? On Wednesday morning as I write this post, Eureka, Nunavut is -37.6C.

Windy, wet and chilly Halloween in Montreal

It is looking like a wet, dark and chilly Halloween night in Montreal, along with blustery winds up to 60km/h. We may see a break in the heavier rain for the kids to trick or treat, but I think conditions will still be wet and cold throughout the evening. Warm costumes, umbrellas and bright colours are in order, stay safe and have fun!

Happy Halloween

Heavy rainfall warning remains in effect for southern Quebec.

The weather will be damp, windy and chilly for Trick or Treating in Montreal this Halloween.

Deep low pressure moving across upstate New York along with a second storm system developing along the Atlantic coast, will produce lots of rain across southern Quebec for Halloween. Waves of moisture have brought 30 to 40mm to Montreal already since Thursday morning, with another 20 to 30mm expected Friday. 

The rain will be heavy at times, as it has been during the Friday morning commute in Montreal. Visibility is down to a few kilometres at best in heavy rain, making for slow travel, along with numerous accidents on rain slicked roads. Some minor flooding has been reported as well, especially in areas with poor drainage or leaves blocking the sewers.

As the low pressure moves to our east, the gusty northeast winds will back to the west and increase 40-70km/h at times. Temperatures will drop from our current highs near 9C (48F), down into the low single digits, around 3C (38F) tonight. The steady rain will taper to showers this evening. 

As colder air moves into the region, the rain may change to a period of snow across the higher elevations, with perhaps a flake or two in the valley locations by Saturday morning. On Saturday, expect a chilly high of 6C (43F), along with blustery northwest winds of 30-50km/h and cloudy skies. High pressure will try to clear the skies out for Municipal Election Day Sunday, but I think partly to mostly cloudy skies should prevail, along with a high of only 6C (43F).

Heavy rainfall warning issued for southern Quebec

Mount Royal and the Montreal skyline during a spectacular October sunrise on Wednesday morning. The sun is gone for a few days, with heavy rain and gusty winds arriving just in time for Halloween. (Valley Weather Photo)

Widespread heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for southern Quebec and eastern Ontario, with 40-70mm forecast. Deepening low pressure will move from the Ohio Valley into southern New England today, while a secondary low develops along the middle Atlantic coast. That low will draw in some moisture form hurricane Melissa as it travels between Bermuda and the offshore waters of Atlantic Canada. The heavy rain may cause some minor flooding issues, especially where falling leaves are blocking sewers and gutters.

Rainfall from the first low has already arrived in Montreal Thursday morning, and should fall throughout most of the day. Overnight into Friday morning, additional moisture will arrive from the southeast, with localized heavy rain possible. Winds will increase from the northeast Thursday 20-40km/h, backing to the northwest Friday afternoon, and increasing to 30-50km/h. The cool, damp and breezy weather will make for a rather challenging Halloween in Montreal. I still think that the weather may break for Trick or Treating, with more showery conditions opposed to heavy rain.

Regardless of the precipitation falling, the weather will dark, windy and downright spooky. Temperatures will be chilly, in the 5C to 9C (41F to 49F) range throughout the forecast period and into the weekend. There may even be a few snowflakes on Halloween night as much cooler air moves in behind the departing low. They will most likely be confined to the higher elevations, but I would not be surprised to see a flake or two around Montreal into Saturday morning.

Skies will finally clear by Sunday as high pressure settles into the region.

Extensive damage across Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa

Ground zero for Hurricane Melissa was New Hope and Black River (above) in the southwestern part of Jamaica. Significant damage was reported with many structures failing in the 185mph winds. (Black River Fire Brigade)

The Canadian Red Cross is accepting donations for Jamaican hurricane relief HERE.

The island nation of Jamaica has declared a state of emergency after powerful category 5 Hurricane Melissa swept across the country on Tuesday. Melissa was the strongest storm in modern times to strike Jamaica, with landfall near New Hope at 1pm Tuesday. At landfall, Melissa was the third strongest hurricane on record in the Atlantic Basin, with winds of 295km/h (185 mph), and a barometric pressure of 892mb. Only Wilma in 2005 and Gilbert in 1988 were stronger.

Melissa slashed across the country with fierce winds and torrential rainfall. Communications were brought down, along with trees and power lines. Many structures failed in the relentless winds. Major flooding has been reported across the country, as Melissa dumped between 350 and 750mm of rain.

Hurricane Melissa at 1pm Tuesday afternoon, making landfall near New Hope in southwestern Jamaica. (NOAA)

In Black River and New Hope near where landfall occurred, homes were shredded along with a hospital and police station. Debirs lines the streets, with many roofs torn from homes. The storm produced significant damage at Sangster International Airport near Montego Bay, where video showed flooding and roof failure. 

The full extent of the damage has yet to be determined as many parts of the country are completely isolated due to significant flooding and blocked roads. The death toll stands at 7 across the Caribbean, with three reported in Jamaica.

Melissa remains a dangerous hurricane Wednesday morning, bringing strong winds and flooding rains to eastern Cuba. The storm was located 70km northwest of Guantanamo Bay, with 165km/h winds (105 mph) and a central pressure of 968mb. The good news is the storm had been downgraded to a category three, but remains a major hurricane. The forward speed has increased to 22km/h. Hurricane conditions will spread into the Bahamas on Wednesday before Melissa heads for Bermuda.

Canadian Hurricane Centre forecast track showing Melissa coming close to Newfoundland on Saturday. (CHC)

By Saturday, Melissa will be in Canadian waters, undergoing extra tropical transfomation southeast of Newfoundland. Heavy surf, strong gusty winds and even some rainfall may be possible for southeastern Newfoundland and the Avalon Peninsula as the storm begins to expand in size into an extratropical cyclone. Details to follow in future posts.