Worst storm of the winter slams Quebec, 30+ cm
A powerful and messy winter storm, being coined the "worst of the season" so far, is making for travel nightmares across Quebec as heavy, blowing snow blast through the province.
Schools closures and cancellations are widespread after snow fell at an unbelievable rate for southern regions through the overnight. Although conditions will gradually improve over southern Quebec on Wednesday, winter storm warnings remain in effect for the east. More on what's left of this dangerous winter storm, below.
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Heavy, blowing snow moves over eastern Quebec through Wednesday
Snow amounts in the 25-40 cm range, locally higher
Winds peak Wednesday, difficult travel due to blowing snow
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WATCH BELOW: HEAVY SNOW CONTINUES ACROSS QUEBEC
WHITEOUT CONDITIONS WREAK HAVOC ON THE ROADS
Winter storm warnings remain in effect for a system that intensified over the Great Lakes on Tuesday and continues to bring travel headaches to much of Quebec. As school boards closed and road conditions worsened early Wednesday, Quebec residents were being advised to stay home if they could through the entire day. That's after 30+ cm of snow had already fallen over southern regions by 6 a.m.
In Montreal, the "ludicrous" snowfall rates were delivering up to four centimetres per hour through the overnight on Tuesday.
"This snow is accompanied by strong winds which produce blowing snow reducing visibilities locally to near zero," said Environment Canada in the warning early Wednesday.
Most flights in and out of the Montreal's Trudeau airport and Quebec City's Jean-Lesage Airport have also been delayed or cancelled with Highway 20 and Highway 132 between Quebec City and Montmagny being reported as closed in both directions Wednesday morning.
As the snow begins to lighten over southern Quebec, the storm will continue to bring snow for areas further east through Wednesday, where totals could surpass 25+ cm by the time all is said and done.
"Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations," warns EC.
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