Schools closed as winter storm sweeps across the region

Another difficult commute in Montreal, but with much less traffic as all schools are closed. So far 13-15cm has fallen with another 10-15cm forecast Thursday. (Valley Weather Photo)

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Montreal and most of southern Quebec. 

Radar is showing at least a few more hours of steady precipitation to our southwest that will move through the Montreal region through midday.

Roads across the region are snow covered and slippery, with reduced visibility. All schools in the Montréal region, including those off-island, as well as CEGEPS and Universities, are closed today.

Widespread weather warnings remain in place across the region as a mix of heavy snow and sleet fall in the Montreal area. As of 7AM, 13cm of snow had fallen at Trudeau Airport, with another 15cm expected today. Lesser amounts have fallen here on Ile Perrot, as slightly milder air aloft has allowed for a mix of sleet at times. This will lessen the final accumulations. 

Winds have been gusting out of the northeast up to 50km/h. They will veer to the southwest and increase 50-80km/h late today as strengthening low pressure moves from near Toronto towards Montreal and then east into Maine. Finally winds will back to the northwest 40-60km/h tonight as colder air filters in.

High temperatures Thursday will be near the freezing point, with overnight lows dropping to -12C (10F). Friday will be the calm before the next storm, as an even stronger system moves in for the weekend. More on that later.