Winter storm warning remains in effect

Crews across the city and beyond are rushing to clear away the 34cm of snow that fell on Montreal on Thursday. While the city of Montreal is pouring all resources into snow removal, they will need to switch back to plowing and slating once the next storm begins. Many roads will not be cleaned in time, with another 30-45cm forecast Sunday. Travel will be very difficult Sunday into the Monday morning commute in Montreal. (Valley Weather Photo)

WINTER STORM WARNING UPDATE: Sunday, February 16

Radar is showing heavy snow to the south and west of the Montreal region moving northeast into southern Quebec. Expect the snow and winds to increase through midday, with near-blizzard conditions at times expected in the St. Lawrence Valley. So far around 5cm has fallen in Montreal, with storm totals approaching 40cm by Monday morning. Travel is not advised. 

Previous Post: Widespread winter storm warnings have been issued for most of southern Quebec, eastern and southern Ontario and adjacent New York and New England. Travel will be very difficult on Sunday in all regions.

Strengthening low pressure will deepen rapidly on Sunday while moving from the Ohio Valley towards upstate New York. The track will place southern Quebec in the ideal location for a significant snowstorm. The storms central pressure is forecast to drop close to 970mb across New York, producing heavy precipitation and strong winds along and north of the track. To the south, warmer air will rise over the cold air at the surface and produce areas of sleet and freezing rain in extreme southwest Ontario and central New York and New England.

For Montreal, snow will begin Saturday evening and be light at first, with 5 to 10cm expected overnight from the Ottawa Valley towards southern Quebec. On Sunday, the snow will increase in intensity during the morning, becoming heavy at times, along with strong northeast winds gusting to 60km/h. Expect significant blowing and drifting snow, along with very cold temperatures, remaining near -10C (14F) for the duration of the storm in Montreal. More snow is expected Sunday night, before precipitation tapers off to flurries on Monday. Winds will remain strong on Monday, up to 50km/h, with blowing snow continuing to be a problem on area roads. Many roads in Montreal are already clogged with the 34cm that fell on Thursday.

Total storm accumulations from this storm alone will range from 30 to 45cm across the region. Lesser amounts, 15 to 25cm can be expected along the international border, where some sleet may mix in.

Travel is not advised on Sunday. This story will be updated.