Winter storm warnings issued for much of southern Quebec ahead of messy weather cocktail

Following an unseasonably green holiday period, much of southern Quebec is in for some intense winter weather over the next few days.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)has issued winter storm warnings for multiple regions, including Montreal.

The city is expected to see close to 15 centimetres of snow, ice pellets and strong windsstarting Tuesday afternoon into the night.

A period of freezing rain is expected late Tuesday or early Wednesday morning before the precipitation changes to rain.

"Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations," ECCC says on its website. "Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas."

Already, many flights have been delayed, according to Montreal's airport authority, the ADM.

Montreal spokespersonPhilippe Sabourin saidon Tuesday that crews are on standby, ready to react to the messy weather. The city is asking people to stay home if possible Wednesday, or rely on public transit to get around, he said.

"Montreal is about to be hit by a major storm," said Sabourin, and even if it's not clear what kind of precipitation to expect, "it's going to be difficult to travel."

The salt will act quickly with the expected warmer weather, he said, and crews will be focused on ensuring sidewalks are navigable.

People who have put their Christmas tree on the curb for pick up shouldtake precautions if a snow removal operation is launched, he said.

"Neverever put something into the piles of snow before a loading operation. That could jam our blowers and that slows down the operation," he said.

Areas further north into the Laurentians and up to Quebec City could see between 20 and 40 centimetres of snow with gusty winds.

Winter storm warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.

Simon Legault, a meteorologist with ECCC, said there won't be as much accumulation in the Eastern Townships. He said the wind gusts will be particularly powerful in the eastern parts of the province.

"We expect power outages to be possible as well," he said, because of the heavy snow, high winds and potential for freezing rain. He encouraged people to check their local forecast and plan accordingly.

Hydro-Qubecis preparing for the storm as well. On X, formerly Twitter, the Crown corporation says teams are in place and ready to respond to any outages. By 5 a.m. Wednesday, more than 400 teams will be on the job.

Hydro-Qubec recommends ensuring all batteries in electronic devices are charged. To maintain the temperature of the fridge or freezer, plan snacks for which you won't have to open the appliance doors. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed, it says.