Intense storm heading for Quebec is already causing disruption to holiday travel

Flight cancellations have begun in Montreal as a powerful winter storm approaches the province, expected to bring a strong system and low pressure Thursday night and into the holiday weekend.

As of noon Thursday, winter storm warnings were in effect for much of southern Quebec, including in Abitibi, Mauricie, the Quebec City region, and Saguenay-Lac-St. Cowboy.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Montreal and Laval.

Snowfall of 5 to 10 centimeters in the Montreal area and 20 to 30 in the Quebec City area is expected Thursday night, along with strong winds gusting to 70 km/h.

Then the temperature is expected to rise in certain areas on Friday, bringing rain, says Environment Canada.

Temperatures are forecast to drop on Friday night, leading to treacherous driving conditions.

Winds will continue to be strong and residents living along Quebec’s eastern shores are advised to watch for storm surge during high tides beginning Friday.

On Saturday afternoon, the forecast is for snow showers over southern Quebec due to cold air passing over the Great Lakes.

This cold air could bring temperatures below normal for the season on Sunday and early next week, Environment Canada says.

If you’re heading to the airport, check your flight

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, airlines had canceled 21 flights to and from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.

The airport said the cancellations were a result of the storm that hit the United States.

CLOCK | Montreal Trudeau Airport Braces for the Christmas Weekend Storm:

Orléans Express has canceled several intercity buses between Quebec, Rimouski and Gaspésie. Travelers can get more information by checking the website of the bus line and social media.

Power outages are expected, so be prepared

Hydro-Québec, the province’s utility company, urges residents to be well prepared for power outages.

Hydro-Québec notes that indoor temperatures can become uncomfortable without electric heat, and while most outages are brief, it is recommended that people preheat their home by raising the temperature a few degrees at least one hour before a power outage. service.

• If the power or data on your device is low, get your storm updates on CBC Lite

Batteries need to be charged and meals planned to avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer too wide while the power is out, says the Crown corporation. He also recommends having emergency numbers ready, including Hydro-Québec’s (1-800-790-2424) to report the outage.

The corporation also recommends downloading the Hydro-Québec app to track outages and ensure you receive notifications about them.

Public Safety Canada encourages people to be prepared and carry emergency kits containing drinking water, food, medicine, a first aid kit, and a flashlight.

Since there is uncertainty related to the system’s track, Environment Canada says it is still too early to give details on the amount of precipitation expected.

Quebec City Proactive Measures

Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand says he’d rather have a city that’s over-prepared than under-prepared.

He said city workers in the capital will be ready to remove snow from streets and sidewalks as soon as the storm begins and more employees will be available to remove debris as needed. The city’s 3-1-1 line will also be open on Christmas Eve.

The city asks people to make sure their temples are properly insured. There will also be a citywide parking ban in effect Friday night.

The town’s annual German Christmas will close tonight, a day early. The outdoor portion of the Chemin de Noël event is also cancelled. Several schools have already announced that they will be closed on Friday.

The city urges people to follow their social media and website for all updates.