Snowstorm headed toward Ontario and Quebec this weekend, up to 40 cm in forecast

MONTREAL — Environment Canada issued weather warnings for large parts of Ontario and Quebec on Friday as a winter storm was expected to bring up to 40 centimetres of snow to some regions, along with strong winds and a risk of storm surges.

Starting in Ontario on Friday and moving east, the storm was forecast to bring five to 10 cm of snow in Toronto over a short period, making driving hazardous. Winds gusting up to 70 kilometres per hour combined with the heavy snow risked reducing visibility.

To the north, snowfall of up to 30 cm was forecast for Sudbury, Ont., and surrounding areas.

In Quebec, parts of which are still digging out from a snowstorm earlier this week, the weather system will hit western parts of the province overnight Friday and move east on Saturday.

The storm will dump up to 20 cm of snow in Montreal by Saturday evening, with as much as 40 cm possible north of the St. Lawrence River between Quebec City and Sept-Îles.

“There are special weather statements for regions near Quebec City, which will experience particularly strong winds and heavy snowfall for an extended period during the day on Saturday,” meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin told reporters.

Bégin says conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly in both provinces, adding that in some regions up to five cm of snow will fall per hour on Saturday, making driving hazardous.

Residents of Quebec City and to the northeast along the St. Lawrence should prepare for storm surges and high waves, he said.

“By Saturday, coastal overflows could occur … especially in regions near Quebec City, Saguenay, and in the southeastern regions of the Gaspé Peninsula …. Roads along the river could be closed.”

East of Montreal, in the Estrie region, snow could turn to freezing rain and coupled with strong winds could knock out power to homes and businesses.

Quebec’s hydro utility said on social media that nearly 150 teams were standing ready.

“This weather mix, including gusts exceeding 100 km/h in some regions, could cause power outages. The main (regions) to watch are Beauce and Estrie. Hydro-Québec is closely monitoring the situation.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 12, 2024.

The Canadian Press