Storm sweeps across southern Ontario and Quebec

Accidents on Highway 20 near Morgan Road have snarled traffic across Ile Perrot, making for a long commute onto the Island of Montreal Thursday morning.

Snowfall Warning for all of southern Quebec and Ontario for 15-30cm of snow 

As forecast, strong low pressure has developed over western New York and is slowly drifting northeast towards Vermont. A swath of heavy snow has developed north and west of the low, primarily impacting southern Ontario Thursday morning. Lighter snow is falling here in southwestern Quebec.

In Montreal, the rain changed over to light snow later than expected, around 5am Thursday morning. Also a dry slot is developing south of the city, which may end snow for a spell later this morning. As a result, only 2cm has fallen so far, with another 10cm or so on the way. A snowfall warning remains in effect. Regardless of the amount of snow, icy road conditions due to rapidly falling temperatures, and gusty winds are producing very dangerous driving conditions. 

In Montreal, temperatures have fallen from 2C (36F) to -5C (23F) since midnight. There have been numerous accidents in the Montreal region as a result of icy roads, including one along Highway 132 westbound near Highway 20 on the South Shore, involving 10 vehicles. Several cars have also spun out on Highway 20 on the West Island, guaranteeing a slow commute off Ile Perrot and points west. Also, surprise, the REM commuter train is down on the Two Mountains line due to the weather.

In southern Ontario, very heavy snow and strong winds are producing very dangerous driving conditions around the GTA and all along Highway 401. Temperatures have plummeted to -14C (7F) in Toronto, with visibility under 1km in heavy snow and blowing snow., Winds have gusted over 50km/h. The weather warning has been upgraded to orange for Toronto, with close to 30cm forecast.  Most flights are delayed or cancelled at Pearson Airport on Thursday morning.

Light snow will continue into Friday morning in Montreal, with another centimetre or two possible. Winds will be gusty from the northwest 20-40km/h, with lows around -15C (5F). Windchill values will drop into the minus 20s.