Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a warning about a potential ice storm expected midweek. Officials say freezing rain might start early Wednesday and could last into Thursday, with ice accumulation reaching 20 to 30 millimeters.
This weather event could disrupt services for up to 24 hours. Areas at risk include:
- Greater Montreal
- Montéregie
- Laurentians
- Lanaudière
- Outaouais
- Mauricie
- Centre-du-Québec
- Quebec City
Transportation delays and cancellations are likely. The ice accumulation may bring down trees and power lines, creating very slippery sidewalks. Giselle Dookhie, a meteorologist with ECCC, mentioned that the forecast could change as the ice storm approaches.
Interestingly, the last significant ice storm in Quebec happened in April 2023, impacting over one million Hydro-Québec customers. This upcoming storm seems to pose a similar risk, especially since southern Quebec is expected to bear the brunt of it. In contrast, areas further north, like Lac-Saint-Jean, will likely see heavy snow, with predictions of up to 40 centimeters of accumulation.
There’s also a chance of localized flooding in the Eastern Townships, where the recent snowfall has created a thick snowpack. This situation is a reminder of how unpredictable winter weather can be.
Staying informed through local news and weather updates will be vital in the coming days. As the ice storm approaches, residents are encouraged to prepare for possible outages and road closures. Winter weather can change rapidly, and it’s always best to be ready.
For more information on weather safety tips, you can visit the Environment and Climate Change Canada website.
