Winter storm slams Montreal region with 30cm of snow

Montreal was slammed with heavy wet snow overnight. As of 8am Monday morning, 28cm had fallen at Trudeau Airport. Numerous trees have fallen from the weight of the snow, onto power lines and unfortunately for this resident in Verdun, cars as well. Power outages are climbing, with over 88,000 in the dark currently. (Photo: J. Balena)

Winter storm warning remains in effect for Montreal, but should be allowed to expire by mid morning.

The first big snowstorm of the season has over performed in the Montreal region. Moderate snow is still falling Monday morning, with nearly 28cm on the ground so far. The heavy wet snow has brought down trees on power lines, with over 88,000 Hydro-Quebec clients in the dark and cold this morning. This includes 8900 on the island of Montreal.

Roads are in terrible shape in metro Montreal. Highway 20 from Ile Perrot was snow covered, icy and visibility was very poor this morning. There have been numerous accidents in the Montreal region.

The storm was expected to bring mixed precipitation to Montreal. However most of that fell as snow, with amounts expected to exceed 30cm (1 foot) for the city.

The storm system in question lies just south of Montreal, with the dividing line between frozen and liquid precipitation along the US border. Many parts of New York and New England had rain or freezing rain. The same is true in Ontario. While Montreal measured over 20cm Sunday to midnight, Ottawa had only 1cm.

Montreal was the sweet spot for snow accumulation this time, as just enough cold air moved into the city on northeast winds. The temperature remained below freezing at the ground and aloft, ensuring wet snow and not freezing rain.

On Ile Perrot, freezing rain fell for the first few hours of the storm on Sunday afternoon, so my snow totals are about 5cm less than the Airport, located 20 kilometres northeast of my location.

 The snow will continue this morning, tapering off to flurries this afternoon. Conditions should improve the evening, but temperatures will drop. After a high of -2C (29F) today, the low by Tuesday morning will be -7C (19F). Storm totals for the city will likely exceed 30cm.

Warmer weather will return by next weekend, with rain in the forecast and high soaring to 6C (43F) by Saturday. Buckle up, it going to be a long El Nino winter!