Snow blankets Montreal after winter storm

About 40 centimetres of snow fell the Greater Montreal area Thursday, with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) forecasting another storm this weekend.

“Strong winds will accompany the snow and generate local blowing snow,” the winter storm alert noted. “Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations.”

ECCC asked commuters to travel with caution.

“Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow,” it added. “Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.”

By 10:30 a.m., the weather agency said 20 centimetres of snow had fallen in Montreal. The Lanaudière and Laurentian regions had 20 to 30 to centimetres of snow, while Gatineau already recorded 31 centimetres.

Numerous schools and daycares closed due to the tumultuous weather.

Additionally, several flights to and from Montreal were delayed or cancelled. Check the status of a flight here.

Despite this, ECCC points out that there is nothing unusual about the weather, and it is rather a “typical, good old Montreal snowstorm.”

“This is kind of our first real snowstorm of the year,” explains Gina Ressler, with the agency. “But it’s not extreme. It’s not the storm of the century.”

The City of Montreal says it is working to salt and clear the streets as quickly as possible, adding the challenge is in doing so safely on the steeper hills.

“We’re asking everyone to be patient, if it’s possible to stay home, why not let our crew do the job for you?” said Philippe Sabourin, a spokesperson with the city.

A second phase of snow removal will begin at 7 a.m. Friday.

The high on Thursday is slated at -1 degree Celsius, with wind chill making it feel more like -19 in the morning and -6 in the afternoon.

The flurries are expected to stop in the evening, giving way to cloudy skies and blowing snow.

The overnight low is -11 degrees Celsius, but could feel like -20.

Ressler points out more snow could hit the ground this weekend.

“We’re not going to get much of a break between these two systems,” she said. Temperatures will remain below zero, so any of the snow that falls today is going to stay on the ground, and then we could be getting another round on Sunday."