After the viruses that spoil Christmas, a storm arrives to act as a spoilsport in Quebec where the worst is yet to come, while 70 cm of snow and freezing precipitation are expected until Saturday.
• Read also: Quebec City prepares for the Christmas “weather bomb”.
• Read also: Get ready for a historic Christmas storm
• Read also: “Historical” storm: for many families there will be no Christmas
This famous “weather bomb” arrived in Quebec late Thursday evening from the province’s southwest.
It hit large parts of the US with full force for the first time, causing severe cold that was expected to reach -55C, forcing the cancellation of more than 1,900 flights and making travel “very dangerous”.
Once per generation
The National Weather Service called this storm a “once in a generation event.”
States like Oklahoma, Kentucky and New York City have declared states of emergency. One hundred incidents in less than twelve hours were reported by patrols in Wyoming alone.
At home, the storm of “exceptional magnitude will also have exceptional impacts,” summarizes Environment Canada meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin.
Issue a warning to those who have planned to travel on New Year’s Eve, especially Friday which will be the worst day.
“It’s not a good day to travel, especially for southern, western and central Quebec,” he explains, recommending instead taking the road on Saturday for “necessary” travel.
In the greater Montreal area, snow has been falling since Thursday evening and should turn to rain overnight with risk of ice. A sharp drop in temperatures is expected on Friday evening, which could make roads and sidewalks very slippery.
The north most affected
Regions north of the San Lorenzo will feel the worst effects of the storm, as several locations could receive a total of 70cm of snow.
It may be necessary to close several roads, points out Jean-Philippe Bégin. He particularly recommends avoiding the road from Charlevoix to the North Shore, where snowdrifts could completely trap motorists.
“You will need to plan your trips well, even if that means canceling or postponing them depending on the destination,” explains Sarah Bensadoun, spokeswoman for Transports Québec. The most important thing is safety. »
Quebecers who have to take the road can consult Quebec 511 to see if the roadway and visibility permit, he insists.
– With AFP
Snowplows ask for “leniency”
Snow plows who will have to work hard in the days leading up to Christmas urge their clients to remain lenient and respectful.
“There won’t be less service because it’s Christmas,” assures Annie Roy, general manager of the Quebec Residential and Commercial Snowthrowers Association. But those with the ability to say “it’s okay if there’s 5 or 6 inches in my driveway because I’m on vacation” should do it. »
Snowplows “have a right to their own Christmas too,” argues Ms Roy, who urges customers to show “leniency.”
In Quebec, snow removal company F. Carrier inc. he even took to Facebook to remind customers to be respectful in the coming days. “Sometimes the customer thinks we just got it and calls angry and cursing,” explains co-owner Marie-Lou Gagnon.
Many schools are closing
Schools in several regions have announced closures for Friday, allowing thousands of students to start their Christmas holidays earlier than expected.
In Outaouais and Laurentians all schools will be closed. In the Montreal region, where the majority of students are expected in class, no closures had yet been announced on Thursday.
In Quebec, the Première-Seigneuries school services center has closed its establishments due to the exceptional situation, while at the Découvreurs the decision will be made on Friday morning.
In Lac-Saint-Jean, two school service centers have decided that students must stay at home, as well as the service center of Côte-du-Sud, in Chaudière-Appalaches, and Chemin-du-Roy, in Mauricie.
The North Shore is likely to be hit the hardest
Of all the regions of Quebec, the North Shore will be the hardest hit by the winter storm that hits the province. Between 30 and 50 cm of snow should fall on the region from Friday to Saturday. But the total accumulations could reach up to 80cm in some areas. Environment Canada also warns motorists that blown snow could make visibility nearly zero in some spots. Violent gusts of 110 km/h are expected to blow over the region as this large system passes.
Snowfall and strong winds will also spread to the eastern part of the province on Friday. This is why Orléans Express has canceled all its trips between Quebec, Rimouski and Gaspé in both directions for the day.
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEKEND
meteomedia source
PREPARATION TIPS
- Consult Québec 511 for road conditions.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and completely cleared of snow.
- Adapt your driving to the weather conditions.
- Never overtake snow plow vehicles, as the reduced visibility of the driver could cause an accident.
- Make sure you have all your tools on hand in case of an emergency and have plenty of washer fluid and brake fluid.
The Department of Public Safety Canada recommends carrying emergency kits containing:
- Of drinking water
- food
- drug
- a first aid kit
- a flashlight
