Power and transit disruptions threaten Montreal residents as freezing rain nears — The Weather Network
Montreal residents now face likely power outages and hazardous roads that could disrupt transit and utilities. Monday at 8: 00 a. m. ET, environment officials issued a special weather warning for freezing rain expected between Wednesday and Thursday; the weather network is one keyword residents may use when checking forecasts.
Montreal-area trees and power lines at risk from 20 to 30 millimetres of ice
Potentially crippling freezing rain could coat large parts of southern Quebec with 20 to 30 millimetres of ice, threatening to weigh down tree branches and power lines and leave some residents without electricity for extended periods.
Environment Canada warning says freezing rain could last up to 24 hours and slow recovery
Environment Canada issued a special weather warning early Monday morning covering Greater Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec and the Quebec City region; forecasters caution the freezing rain could persist for up to 24 hours, complicating cleanup and delaying the restoration of services.
The Weather Network: timeline from mild start to a sharp post-storm cold snap
Forecasts outline a rapid sequence of conditions residents should note: Monday will be mainly cloudy then clearing with winds becoming southwest at 30 km/h gusting to 60 and a high near 14 C, followed by a Monday night low of 7 C. Tuesday should bring a mix of sun and cloud with a high near 12 C before precipitation begins Tuesday night and temperatures drop to around 0 C. By Wednesday, temperatures hovering near the freezing mark are expected to turn precipitation into freezing rain that could continue into Wednesday night, possibly mixing with rain, and then transition to periods of snow and windy conditions Thursday with overnight lows falling to around minus–12 C. Residents can check the weather network for updated forecasts and advisories as conditions evolve.
What could reverse or accelerate these threats: precipitation is expected to begin Tuesday night; if temperatures hold around 0 C overnight Tuesday, freezing rain will develop Wednesday and could last up to 24 hours, increasing the risk of prolonged outages and travel paralysis. Residents are advised to prepare for hazardous roads and potential power interruptions and to monitor updated forecasts ahead of the Tuesday night onset.
