Winter storm to deliver a mix of precipitation across southern Quebec

Despite the mild fall, Montreal has already measured 42.6cm of snow at Trudeau Airport since November 1st. More snow is on the way over the next 24-36 hours for the city, but less than previously expected. Rain will change to wet snow Monday morning, with 5-10cm possible for Montreal, 2-4cm for Ottawa and 10-20cm for Sherbrooke.

Special Weather Statement in effect for Montreal. Additional weather warnings may be required later today for a portion of our region.

Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for upstate New York and Vermont.

A potent storm system will impact the eastern seaboard including southern Quebec over the next 24 to 36 hours. The guidance over the last 24 hours has shifted the heaviest precipitation to the east of Montreal, but we can still expect a messy Monday morning commute.

Light rain fell overnight in Montreal, with temperatures rising to 6C (43F) around 2am, but falling back to the current reading of 2C (36F) on a light northeast wind. A cold front advancing across Ontario, will be the focus for some heavy rain showers today, with as much as 25mm (1 inch) of rain possible. Along that front, low pressure will develop late today and move northeast to be near Boston on Monday. Enough cold air will filter into the region to change the rain over to wet snow late tonight.

The wet snow will move from west to east, impacting just about all of southern Quebec by Monday morning. The snow will be heavy at times, especially east of Montreal across the Eastern Townships and Beauce, as well as Vermont and parts of New England.

As far as amounts are concerned, we are looking at 5-10cm for the greater Montreal region, with 10-20cm for the Townships. Local accumulations may approach 30cm across the higher elevations along the Vermont border. Gusty northwest winds will develop Monday, between 30-50km/h. Theses winds will add stress to the snow loaded power lines, which may result in significant power outages in areas that see the heaviest snow. All precipitation should taper off to flurries by late in the day Monday.

As far as temperatures are concerned, the high Sunday in Montreal will be 6C (43F), dropping to 0C (32F) by Monday morning, and further dropping to -6C (21F) by Tuesday morning.

Expect difficult travel conditions early Monday morning, with rain changing to snow. The snow will be wet and heavy, with reduced visibility, especially along Highway 10 towards Sherbrooke.

This same storm system has been producing heavy rain, strong winds and severe thunderstorms from the Mississippi Valley towards the Ohio Valley and along the east coast. Tornadoes across Tennessee on Saturday have left at least 6 dead. The search continues Sunday morning for additional survivors and victims.

Heavy damage from a tornado in Madison, Tennessee late Saturday.
(Nashville Office of Emergency Management)