Québec : Tempête de neige et routes difficiles attendues vendredi soir et samedi

A significant winter weather system is poised to skirt the northern edge of Québec, bringing the potential for hazardous travel conditions beginning Friday evening and continuing through Saturday morning. While the worst of the storm is expected to impact the northern United States, southern Québec will experience substantial snowfall and strong winds, creating challenging conditions for residents, and travelers.

Storm Track and Intensity

The storm is forecast to move in a way that will spare Québec the heaviest snowfall, with up to 25 centimeters predicted for areas in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. However, the southern portion of Québec, along the U.S. Border, is expected to receive the most significant accumulation from this system.

Regional Impacts

The Suroît region, southwest of Montréal, is anticipated to receive between 10 and 15 centimeters of snow by Saturday evening. The Outaouais region could see accumulations reaching 10 centimeters or more in some areas. Montréal itself is expected to receive around 5 centimeters, with potentially higher amounts in the southern part of the island. Sherbrooke is forecast to receive between 5 and 8 centimeters. Northern regions, including the Laurentides, Lanaudière, the Mauricie, the Centre-du-Québec, and the Beauce, are expected to see accumulations of 5 centimeters or less.

Did You Know? The forecast indicates a stark contrast in snowfall amounts over short distances, with less than 3 centimeters expected in Mont-Tremblant while areas just south of the border could receive up to 25 centimeters.

Travel Concerns

Snowfall will begin in the Outaouais and Montérégie regions shortly before sunset on Friday, spreading to the Montréal and Estrie regions in the early evening. Initially, the snow will be wet and heavy, but temperatures will drop, leading to drier, more powdery conditions. Combined with wind gusts up to 60 km/h, these conditions will create blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel difficult.

Motorists should be prepared for challenging conditions on several key routes, including Autoroute 15 between Montréal and Lacolle, Route 138 between Montréal and Huntingdon, and Route 209 along its entire length. Autoroute 50, already prone to difficulties in good weather, is expected to be snow-covered by Friday afternoon. Similar conditions are anticipated on Autoroute 417 towards Ottawa and Autoroute 401 towards Kingston and Toronto. Autoroute 15 towards the Laurentides, Autoroute 20 between Montréal and Drummondville, and Autoroute 40 to Trois-Rivières will also likely be affected.

Expert Insight: The combination of falling snow and strong winds creates a significant hazard for drivers, as visibility can drop rapidly and roads can become treacherous. Reduced visibility and blowing snow are a dangerous combination, even for experienced winter drivers.

Looking Ahead

The heaviest snowfall is expected overnight Friday into Saturday morning. While the storm is forecast to move away from Québec, lingering effects, such as blowing snow, could continue to impact travel conditions throughout Saturday. Conditions could improve later Saturday as the system moves further east.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the snow begin?

Snow is expected to begin shortly before sunset on Friday in the Outaouais and Montérégie regions, then spread to Montréal and Estrie in the early evening.

What are the expected wind gusts?

Wind gusts could reach up to 60 km/h, contributing to blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Which regions will receive the most snow?

The Suroît region, southwest of Montréal, is expected to receive the highest accumulations, between 10 and 15 centimeters.

How will you prepare for potential travel disruptions this weekend?