Between 5 and 15 centimeters of snow accumulated in several regions in southern Quebec overnight from Thursday into Friday, leaving a new carpet of white on the ground a week after last weekend’s winter storm.
Posted 8:49am Updated 10:01am
The snowflakes accumulated mainly in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges-Huntington area, where almost 15 centimeters fell. The Outaouais and Montreal regions also received 10 centimeters of snow overnight from Thursday to Friday.
The rain continued on Friday morning. Expect 2 to 4 inches of snow in the greater Montreal area. Environment Canada reports strong winds of up to 50 km/h in the morning. These gusts could affect traffic, we advise, and at the same time advise the population to plan their trips or even postpone them if possible.
However, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) reported no accident site on Friday, apart from “a few minor road trips and other material collisions,” said agent Béatrice Dorsainville. However, a truck that jack-knifed on Highway 440 in Laval early in the morning forced the complete closure of this nerve center. A traffic jam was observed in the area until about 7 a.m.
Loading operation in sight
Snow loading is expected to begin in Montreal early next week, but not before as additional rainfall is expected over the weekend. “By Sunday or Monday we can expect to get up to 5 or 10 centimeters more, so by that time we should be able to do a full operation,” said city spokesman Philippe Sabourin.
Also, the last load of snow placed after the storm last week is “95% done,” estimates Mr. Sabourin. “The rest are very rare cases where loading is about to be completed,” he says.
At the start, however, this new snow loading should be “simpler”, because the snow that falls on Montreal on Friday is “simpler, lighter”, asserts the person responsible. “Last time we had sleet, very heavy snowfall and we exceeded 30 centimeters in strong winds which meant we had to go everywhere twice. There we have a beautiful air snow. It should definitely be easier,” he notes.
Hundreds of snow clearing vehicles will be in action in the city over the next few days, clearing the road – without loading the snow. “Our priority will really be to pack the snow, apply rockfall and salt, and then ensure a good grip on the sidewalks for everyone’s safety,” the spokesperson continued.