A major freezing rain storm is forecast to impact parts of Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces, with potentially dangerous road conditions and widespread power outages. Environment Canada has issued an “orange alert” for much of southern Quebec, urging residents to prepare for significant disruptions.
Storm Details and Forecast
The freezing rain is expected to begin around 6 a.m. Wednesday in the Montreal area and the Ottawa Valley, impacting the morning commute. Between 20 and 30 millimetres of freezing rain are anticipated in these areas, potentially lasting for 24 hours. Meteorologist Eric Tomlinson of Environment and Climate Change Canada noted that “a few degrees makes a big difference” in these events.
Areas of Quebec under a freezing rain warning include Greater Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, Lanaudière, Laurentians, Parc du Mont-Tremblant, Mauricie, Drummondville, and Quebec City. Further north in Quebec, areas like Charlevoix, Saguenay, and Rimouski could receive 20 to 30 centimetres of snow. Parts of Atlantic Canada are expected to experience a mix of snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, and rain from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon.
Preparation and Potential Impacts
Environment Canada anticipates transportation delays and cancellations, as well as prolonged utility outages. The agency advises against non-essential travel. Significant damage to property, including buildings and trees, is possible due to the weight of the ice. Cold weather following the storm “may complicate and delay the full return to normal services.”
Hydro-Québec is preparing to dispatch 550 crews, totaling 1,100 line workers, to address potential outages. The City of Montreal is preparing to increase road-clearing efforts, potentially open warming shelters, and has begun clearing storm drains. Alexandre Devaux-Guizani, head of the city’s executive committee, is urging Montrealers to operate from home if possible.
Montreal’s public transit agency, the STM, expects delays and will exercise extra caution. The REM light-rail network is running trains overnight to prevent ice buildup and has implemented fresh techniques, including a biodegradable anti-freeze product, to counter the effects of freezing rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the freezing rain expected to begin?
The freezing rain is forecast to begin around 6 a.m. Wednesday in the Montreal area and the Ottawa Valley.
Which areas of Quebec are under a freezing rain warning?
The areas under a freezing rain warning include Greater Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, Lanaudière, Laurentians, Parc du Mont-Tremblant, Mauricie, Drummondville, and Quebec City.
What is Hydro-Québec doing to prepare?
Hydro-Québec is preparing to dispatch 550 crews, totaling 1,100 line workers, along with the necessary equipment for quick repairs.
As this storm approaches, how will you and your community prepare for potential disruptions?
