A break from the stormy weather for Montreal

Several major, multi-vehicle collisions were reported across southern Quebec on Monday. The combination of snow and very strong winds, produced near-zero visibility. The accident above closed Highway 15 south of Montreal from Saint-Jacques-le-Mineur to the US Border. (Post Millennial Photo)

It was a wild 36 hours across eastern North America, as a strong storm system moved from the central US and Great Lakes, into Quebec. A messy mix of snow, freezing rain, rain and fierce winds dominated the weather. Montreal had several hours of freezing rain on Sunday, followed by heavy rain at times, with even a rumble or two of thunder on the south shore. A strong cold front late Sunday delivered violent winds, with a peak gust of 85km/h observed at Trudeau Airport and 89km/h at Saint Hubert. In Quebec, the top wind speed was 107km/h at Grand Bergeronnes. In Ontario, Port Colborne reported a gust to 128km/h, with 200km/h at Plateau, Nova Scotia on Cape Breton Island. A February wind record was established on top of Mount Washington in northern New Hampshire, with a gust of 275km/h (171 mph) on Monday afternoon.

On Monday, the strong winds persisted, combining with falling temperatures and blowing snow to produce dangerous driving conditions. Major accidents closed dozens of roads across Ontario and Quebec, including Highway 15 south of Montreal to the US border, and Highway 40 at the Ontario/Quebec border. Other accidents also occurred on Routes 340 and 201 southwest of Montreal. Miraculously only minor injuries were reported, despite the fact hundreds of vehicles were involved. Similar multi-vehicle accidents occurred across central and eastern Ontario, including a 70 vehicle pile-up on Highway 400 near Barrie.

The good news is that conditions have improved significantly across the entire region Tuesday, with clear weather expected through the end of the week for Montreal. Winds do remain gusty on Tuesday, in the 30 to 50km/h range in Montreal, but they should diminish by Wednesday. High pressure will remain in control of our weather, with sunny skies and cold temperatures expected through Thursday. The morning low on Wednesday will be near -21C (-6F) in Montreal. A warming trend is expected by Friday into the upcoming weekend, but with increasing chances for snow by late Saturday.

Strong damaging winds forecast for Ontario & Quebec

Montreal can expect strong winds to develop on Sunday, persisting into Monday. Wind speeds in the deeper purple areas, may exceed 90km/h in some locations. (AccuWeather)

Deepening low pressure over southern Michigan Sunday morning, will lift into southern Quebec through Monday afternoon. The storm is forecast to bomb out to a 970mb low while entering Quebec. Freezing rain and sleet have already spread into Quebec on Sunday morning, with precipitation expected to change to rain in metro Montreal. Mixed precipitation, including heavy snow, will continue across other regions of Quebec, including Quebec City where 30cm of snow is forecast. Precipitation will become spotty at times in Montreal through the early afternoon, before the arrival of a strong cold front this evening.

Powerful Winds up to 100km/h

The cold front will be accompanied by bursts of heavy snow, along with very strong winds. Winds are forecast to increase out of the southwest up to 50km/h today in Montreal, and up to 90km/h this evening into Monday. Wind speeds will likely exceed 100km/h along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario as well as portions of the St. Lawrence Valley. Winds of this strength are capable of producing damage to trees and power lines. Widespread weather warnings are in effect across the entire region for strong winds, blowing snow and freezing rain. Accompanying the wind will be 2 to 5cm of snow in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. The snow, combined with rapidly dropping temperature and the gusty winds, will produce dangerous travel and low visibility through Monday morning.

The same storm bringing Montreal freezing rain and strong winds, produced multiple tornadoes across the southern US. The image above is from Columbus, Mississippi on Saturday evening. (AccuWeather Photo)

Temperatures will rise above freezing for a time today in Montreal, up to 3C (38F) early Sunday afternoon. After the passage of the cold front, the mercury will plunge down to -5C (23F) by morning, and continue to drop all day Monday, down to -10C (14F) by late in the day. Expect icy, extremely variable and difficult travel conditions across all regions of southern Quebec and eastern Ontario through Monday.

This same storm system has been responsible for major flash flooding across the southern US, along with strong thunderstorms and tornadoes. From the southern Rockies into the central Great Lakes, blizzard conditions have been reported along with multiple road closures.

New winter storm to bring snow, freezing rain and strong winds to southern Quebec

The continuous freeze and thaw cycle this winter has left many neighbourhoods across southern Quebec trapped under thick ice. Contractors, (above & below)) are putting in extra time trying to clear some of that ice from streets in Notre-Dame-de-L'Ile-Perrot. (Photos: Donna Dalton)

Southern Quebec and eastern Ontario are looking at another messy winter storm this weekend, with a mix of snow, freezing rain, rain and very strong winds. Special weather statements are currently in effect.

The calm before the next storm is expected to last through Saturday afternoon across southern Quebec. A small taste of spring is forecast for Montreal, with abundant sunshine and temperatures flirting with the freezing mark both Friday and Saturday. The good news ends rather abruptly after that. Low pressure is forecast to develop over northern Texas and deepen rapidly as it moves towards the central Great Lakes. Fuelled by tropical moisture on the east side and arctic cold on the backside of the system, the storm is forecast to become rather intense as it moves into Ontario and Quebec on Sunday afternoon.

The storm center will pass well west of Montreal, placing southern Quebec in the warm sector of the cyclone. Expect snow to develop along a warm front Saturday evening, changing quickly to freezing rain in Montreal and points south and west, and persisting into the overnight. Precipitation should change to rain on Sunday morning in Montreal. North and east of the city, as well as across far western Quebec, the dominant precipitation type will be snow, with 15 to 30cm forecast. Here in Montreal, we can expect a messy 10 to 20mm of freezing rain and rain.

As the storm moves east of Montreal, rain will change back to snow and blowing snow late Sunday evening, with 5 to 10cm possible by Monday morning. All this precipitation will be driven around by very strong winds, up to 90km/h on Sunday and Monday across eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. The temperature will rise to 0C (32F) Saturday, and 3C (38F) Sunday in Montreal. As the cold front crosses the area late Sunday, temperatures will fall rapidly in the snow and wind, down to -5C (23F) by Monday morning.

The combination of mixed precipitation and strong winds will make for difficult travel from late Saturday into Monday. In addition to falling precipitation, look for a flash freeze again in Montreal late Sunday.

Another round of snow and rain expected for Montreal

After last weeks 40cm storm, huge piles of snow tower into the sky in several neighbourhoods. This one is located in Saint-Laurent along Thimens Boulevard. (ValleyWeather)

Special Weather Statement in effect for southern Quebec and eastern Ontario for 5 to 20cm of snow mixed with freezing rain from late Wednesday into Thursday morning.

The calm and cold weather that southern Quebec has enjoyed since Saturday, will come to an end late Wednesday. Low pressure developing across the southwest US, is forecast to move across the Great Lakes and into central Quebec by Thursday. A second storm will move across the southeast US and along the east coast, eventually out to sea well south of Quebec. This track will place Montreal and southern Quebec in the warm sector, with mixed precipitation expected. Temperatures will start the day Wednesday around -10C (14F), rising throughout the day and into Thursday, to plus 4C (39F). This is not going to be a big storm, but will be problematic nonetheless due to the timing of the precipitation.

We are running out of place to put the snow this winter. Contractors attempt to widen the parking lot at an Ile Perrot business this past weekend. (ValleyWeather)

Another clear and cold night is forecast tonight, before clouds increase Wednesday, with snow developing very late in the day. Steady snow will develop from late Wednesday into early Thursday morning, with precipitation mixing with freezing rain and eventually rain from Montreal and eastern Ontario south to the US border. At this time, I am thinking 5 to 10cm of snow is likely for Montreal, with 10 to 15cm north of the city into the Laurentians. Isolated 20cm amounts are possible, where temperatures remain below freezing the longest. All precipitation will change back to flurries late Thursday before ending. Expect clearing skies and cooler temperatures for Friday, before we have a repeat performance this weekend. Another storm system will take a very similar track over the weekend with more snow and mixed precipitation expected.

Record breaking snowfall for Montreal approaching 40cm

The start of the storm on Ile Perrot late Tuesday. As of 7am this morning, I measured 35cm on Ile Perrot. (ValleyWeather Photo)

Winter Storm Warning in effect through noon for Montreal.

Montreal is closing in on 37cm of snow over the last 18 hours or so, a new record, breaking the previous record of 32.2cm in 1993. The result is exactly what you would expect, snow covered roads and a ton of school closings. As a matter of fact just about all the schools, Colleges and Universities have cancelled classes. The school closures combined with self-imposed snow days by many workers, have resulted in very light traffic in Montreal this morning. This has likely saved us from gridlock. There have still been numerous accidents reported, especially on off island highways.

The storm in question is moving across southern Quebec this morning, with the heaviest snow now off to the east of Montreal. Despite the delays and cancellations this morning, we have fared quite well in metro Montreal. The strong winds forecast never really materialized, at least so far, limiting the amount of blowing snow. Such is not the case northeast of Montreal in Quebec City, where winds have gusted to 80km/h. The severe blowing snow has resulted in several road closures.

Here in Montreal, delays are being reported with public transit, but it is still operating. The airport is a different story, with hundreds of flight cancellations, the message is clear, call ahead.

The balance of the day will feature light snow in Montreal, with another 5cm forecast. Winds are expected to increase this afternoon, up to 50km/h, producing areas of blowing snow. Temperatures will be mild today as you dig out, reaching -2C (29F).

Transport Quebec keeping us safe, plowing Highway 40 in Montreal early Tuesday morning. (Transport Quebec Photo)

Winter Storm Warning posted for Montreal and southern Quebec

A winter storm watch has been posted for southern Ontario and Quebec.

Winter Storm Warning posted for southern Quebec and eastern Ontario. The watch has been upgraded to a warning as of 3:45PM.

Here is the latest information on the upcoming winter storm. Strong low pressure developing over the southern plains is forecast to move towards the Great Lakes and then just south of Montreal on Wednesday. A second area of low pressure will move along the east coast. The combination of these two storm will produce a wide area of precipitation across our entire region. The snow is expected to spread across southern Ontario early Tuesday morning, reaching southwestern Quebec late in the day. The snow will become heavy at times overnight and through Wednesday morning in metro Montreal. Accumulations will range from 15 to 25cm across southern Ontario and new England, with 25 to 40cm in the St. Lawrence Valley from Cornwall to Quebec City.

In Montreal, we should receive close to 30cm of snow from about 4pm Tuesday through noon on Wednesday. The snow will be accompanied by strong, gusty winds which will produce widespread blowing snow. Expect very poor road conditions across the region, and consider postponing any unnecessary travel. The snow should taper off to flurries by Wednesday afternoon.

Stormy week ahead for winter weary Montreal

A winter storm will produce heavy snow in Montreal from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. Current indications are that 25 to 40cm of snow may fall in the St. Lawrence Valley. Strong winds will accompany the snow, greatly reducing visibility. Travel will become extremely challenging across the entire region. Adjust your plans if possible. (AccuWeather Photo)

Winter Storm Watch for Eastern Ontario.
Special Weather Statement for Southern Quebec.

A major winter storm is poised to impact southern Ontario and Quebec from Tuesday through Thursday this week. High pressure will remain in control of the weather in Montreal through early Tuesday, with clear and cold conditions. Clouds will increase on Tuesday morning as low pressure moves from the Ohio Valley into New York State. A second area of low pressure is expected to develop over Delaware and move towards southern New England on Wednesday.

The combination of these two storms will produce a wide area of heavy snow and sleet from southern Ontario across Quebec and New England. Current thinking is that the heaviest snow will fall in the St. Lawrence Valley from Kingston to Quebec City. In this corridor, amounts could easily exceed 30cm through Wednesday. Accompanying the snow will be gusty northeast winds in excess of 50km/h, producing areas of blowing and drifting snow. In Montreal, visibility will be severely reduced in falling and blowing snow through midday Wednesday. Travel across eastern Ontario and southwest Quebec will become extremely difficult Tuesday night.

A winter storm warning will likely be issued for Montreal early Monday morning. Look for additional updates on the storm beginning Monday morning.

Freeze & thaw winter weather wearing down Montreal

Highway 20, west of Montreal, was closed overnight after a fatal, multi-vehicle accident around 11:45pm. The collision, near the Ontario border, involved at least a dozen cars and 7 trucks. (Radio Canada Photo)

Freezing Drizzle Advisory posted for Montreal.

Accidents, school closures, huge potholes, damaged roofs and trips to the emergency room with broken bones have become the norm in Montreal this winter. The non-stop freeze and thaw cycle is taking a toll on the city and southwest portion of the province. Since the weekend, Montreal has recorded nearly 10cm of snow and an additional 10mm of rain or freezing rain.

Thick ice is literally everywhere in Montreal. This month alone, the highest temperature at Trudeau Airport was 6.4C (44F), while the coldest was -18C (0F). Keep in mind, it is only February 7th! Over the next 36 hours, Montreal will go from the current temperature of -6C (21F), up to 7C (45F) by tomorrow morning, and back down to -7C (19F) by Friday afternoon. Freezing drizzle today will transition into a steadier freezing rain/rain mixture this evening, before changing to plain rain overnight. On Friday, a strong cold front will sweep across the St. Lawrence Valley, with rain changing to light snow by the afternoon. As the temperatures drop, the city will freeze over once again. Winds will become very strong as well on Friday, gusting between 50 and 80km/h.

Major Accidents
The freezing rain late Wednesday afternoon started off island to the south and west of the city around the evening commute, and spread into Montreal by 7pm. The hardest hit area was from Ile Perrot into eastern Ontario and south into New York and northern Vermont. Travel quickly became dangerous, with several major multi-vehicle accidents reported by police. One occurred on Highway 30 near Beauharnois, closing the road for several hours. A more serious accident occurred at 11:45pm in the eastbound lanes of Highway 20 at Riviere-Beaudette near the Ontario border. In this case, one fatality and two serious injuries were reported in the collision, which involved at least a dozen cars  and 7 transport trucks. The highway was closed until 4:30am Thursday, forcing hundreds of motorists to spend the night in their vehicles. Traffic backed up into Ontario, with the Ontario Provincial Police helping their Quebec colleagues.

Briefly looking ahead, the pattern that has seen very cold air in western Canada, and highly variable weather here in the east, is expected to persist. This weekend will be sunny and cold in Montreal, however another winter storm is forecast early next week. Depending on the exact path of the system, we may be looking at another messy mix of rain and snow.

Warmer air will bring a round of freezing rain to Montreal

Frozen In Time...Saturday was Groundhog Day, with the various rodents across North America unable to agree on whether or not we will have an early Spring. It may be Springtime before this motorist is able to free their car in Saint-Laurent. More messy precipitation is on the way for Montreal this week. (Valley Weather Photo)

 A milder weather pattern will establish itself over the next 48 hours across eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. On Saturday, a weak clipper system proved to be quite the nuisance, producing between 5 and 15cm of snow, depending whose measurements you believe, and creating chaos on area roads. Despite the light amount of snowfall, several major accidents occurred, including a 200 vehicle pile-up on Highway 20 near Val-Alain, east of Montreal. There were scores of smaller accidents across the region as well.

Our attention today turns to a warm front moving north from southern New England. As the warmer air overrides the cold air at the surface, light snow will start late this afternoon in southern Quebec. The snow will mix with and change to freezing rain in the St. Lawrence Valley overnight and into early Monday. The freezing rain should be on the light side, so the hope is that any impacts will be minimal. However weather warnings may be required later today. The temperature will rise form early Sunday readings in the minus teens, up to -5C (23F) today. The weather will continue to warm overnight, approaching 0C (32F) in Montreal by noon on Monday. If all goes as planned, the city should warm above the freezing point Monday afternoon.

This weeks warming trend will be a welcome sight across the western counties of New York State. Over the last week, several regions, including Adams, New York, shown above, were buried under feet of lake effect snow. (Adams VFD Photo)

Right behind that batch of precipitation, a stronger system will cross the Great Lakes on Monday, bringing another round of freezing rain and eventually plain rain as the temperature continues to warm late in the day. On Tuesday, a cold front will bring a return to cooler temperatures, along with flurries. The weather will remain active through the balance of the week, with another storm system arriving by Thursday along a mix of snow and freezing rain once again.

In the near-term, the cold, arctic air that prevailed across Great Lakes, will retreat across western Canada. A winter storm will produce blizzard conditions today from extreme southern Saskatchewan across southern Manitoba, northern Montana and into the Dakotas. Extremely cold air and dangerous windchill values will prevail all week across western Canada.