Blizzard Warning - Strong winter storm producing near-blizzard conditions in Montreal

Deneigement Mongrain is fighting the good fight in Notre-Dame-de-L'Ile-Perrot Sunday afternoon, trying to stay ahead of the heavy snow falling across the region. The winter storm warning remains in effect for the balance of the day across southern Quebec. Tavel is not advised.

Strong 982mb low pressure in western New York early Sunday afternoon will move south of Montreal today and into northern Maine on Monday. An area of heavy snow and strong winds is producing near-blizzard conditions in southern Quebec at Sunday afternoon, with visibility down to 0.2km at Trudeau Airport, with winds gusting to 63km/h. The pressure at the airport is falling rapidly, down to 997mb at 1pm.

The open roads are difficult this afternoon, with rapidly accumulating snow and strong winds producing whiteout conditions. The steady precipitation will persist into the evening hours in Montreal. Here on Ile Perrot, measuring the snow has proved difficult, as winds gust to 60km/h. With temperatures steady at -10C (14F). the light powdery snow is easily blown around. Depending on which ruler you prefer, I have between 8 and 15cm on the ground. The official total at Trudeau is 13cm as of  1pm. Much more will fall over the next few hours, with the snow depth increasing rapidly.

The storm in question is near Elmira, New York at noon, moving northeast across New England today while continuing to strengthen. Storm accumulations will be in the 25-40cm by Monday morning. The snow will become light tonight, but the wind will remain a problem on Monday, gusting from the west up to 70km/h.

With all the fresh powder on the ground, travel will continue to be difficult especially on open highways such as Highway 15 and 30 on the South Shore and Highway 20 to the Ontario border and northeast to Quebec City. Consider postponing any travel plans.

Conditions will improve Tuesday, however the weather will remain cold but dry.