Quebec digs out from its first major snowstorm of the season
As the first significant snow of the season begins to taper, stiff winds and frigid temperatures are left in its wake
The heavy snow is winding down in southern Quebec, after making for a nightmare commute and closing more than 10 school boards across the province Tuesday morning. Some additional accumulations are expected in eastern areas throughout the day, as widespread frigid temperatures will keep things feeling like the heart of winter for much of this week. More on what's left of this system and how cold things will get, below.
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS
Some additional snow persists across eastern Quebec through Tuesday
Wind chills will make it feel closer to -20 early Wednesday morning in southern Quebec
Next quick shot of snow arrives Thursday as a clipper tracks across the province
Stay aware of ALERTS in your area
After peak snowfall intensity through the overnight hours on Monday, drivers across Quebec were faced with some treacherous travel conditions early Tuesday. That's especially with the mandatory winter tires deadline not taking effect until December 1.
A widespread 10-20 cm piled up throughout the province, including in the city of Montreal, where officials announced it would be starting its earliest snow-removal operation in history on Wednesday morning. These full-fledged snow-removal plans typically begin in mid-December.
The back edge of the snow has pulled east of Montreal, but will continue across the Eastern Townships and Quebec City through Tuesday afternoon, which may have some impact on the evening commute.
FEELING LIKE -20 BY WEDNESDAY MORNING
Making matters just that bit more miserable will be some stiff winds, reaching 50 km/h in some areas, potentially affecting visibility due to blowing snow. It will also make Tuesday's temperatures feel even colder.
"By Wednesday morning, wind chills will make it feel closer to -20 in southern Quebec," says Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg.
The next quick shot of snow will arrive on Thursday as a clipper tracks across the province early Thursday morning and through the afternoon. Accumulations will remain light with a widespread 2-5 cm expected for most across the Eastern Townships and cities along the St. Lawrence including Montreal and Quebec. Higher elevations in central Quebec could receive 5-10 cm.
"Quebec will briefly jump out of the deep freeze Friday with above freezing daytime highs before another blast of arctic air sends the temperatures tumbling back below freezing by Friday night," Sonnenburg adds.
