Blowing snow - frigid weather behind latest storm

After back-to-back storms in Montreal, many vehicles remain buried Monday morning in deep snowbanks, some as high as 4 metres. Over 70cm of snow has fallen on the city since Thursday. Widespread blowing snow will make for extremely difficult travel on Monday, as winds gust to over 70km/h. (Valley Weather Photo) 

Blowing Snow Advisory for the St. Lawrence Valley

Our powerful winter storm is over northern Maine Monday morning as a 970mb low pressure (the lower the pressure - the stronger the storm). The lowest pressure at my home on Ile Perrot was 989mb. This deep low pressure system dumped 35 to 45cm of snow across southern Quebec, with a four day total from both storms in excess of 70cm (28 inches). During Sunday afternoon, the snow fell at times at a rate of 2 to 5cm per hour. Our total for the month of February to date has ballooned to 93.2cm at Trudeau Airport, more than November through January combined.

On Sunday, the heavy snow and strong winds produce true blizzard conditions for 6 hours at Trudeau Airport, with visibility under 400 metres. The visibility was under 1km for 9 hours at the airport. As a result numerous flights were delayed or cancelled, and delays remain Monday morning.

In 85 years of record keeping, Montreal has never had this much snow over a four day period. The roads are less than ideal Monday morning. While plowed, the snow is hard-packed and the intersections are icy. There have been numerous accidents and road closures over the last 24 hours. The commute was slow but steady, as many have a snow day in Monday, with most schools closed. Winds will gust to over 70km/h, as arctic high pressure to our west tries to move into the region. The winds will ease late in the day.

A frigid, windswept morning in Montreal after the strong storm on Sunday. (Valley Weather Photo)

The blowing snow is making for challenging driving conditions, especially off-island.

Frigid air is moving in behind the storm, with temperatures around -10C (14F) Monday, and lows down to -15C (5F). Windchill values will be in the minus 20s.

Conditions will slowly improve Tuesday, with thankfully no new storms on the horizon at this time.