Two winter storms to deliver significant snow to Montreal

The long commute home westbound on Highway 40 in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue during last Thursday's snowstorm. Expect very difficult driving conditions on Thursday across the entire region, with heavy snow, blowing snow and even some freezing rain along and south of the St. Lawrence River. (Valley Weather Photo)

Winter Storm Warning in effect for southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. Winter weather advisory for adjacent upstate New York.

Expect very difficult travel conditions tonight and Thursday across the entire region, with low visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow.

Two winter storms are set to deliver significant precipitation to southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. The first storm arrives Wednesday evening, persisting into Thursday. There is still some uncertainty with the final snow totals, especially along and south of the St. Lawrence River, where warmer air arrives on Thursday. For now, snow is forecast to start late this evening and become heavy overnight. Accumulations of 15cm are expected in the Montreal area by the morning commute on Thursday. The snow will continue all day, mixing with freezing rain or sleet at times along the river and points south to the international border.

Total storm accumulations will be in the 20-35cm range from south to north across our region, including the Ottawa Valley, Laurentians and Quebec City. Less snow is forecast along the New York and Vermont border and across the Eastern Townships. 

Low pressure will move from the Ohio Valley down the St. Lawrence Valley and eastward into northern Maine on Friday. Temperatures will be cold on Wednesday, but rise through the night to high near 0C (32F) on Thursday in Montreal. Winds will become gusty up to 50km/h out of the northeast tonight and early Thursday, before backing to the northwest up to 60km/h Thursday afternoon. These winds will produce areas of blowing and drifting snow.

Skies clear out Friday before another strong winter storm takes aim at southern Quebec for late Saturday and Sunday. This storm will be colder for Montreal, with all snow expected at this time. More details to follow once we clear up our current storm.