Power outages grow as freezing rain, ice buildup amplified in Quebec
Power outages are on the rise in Quebec as a potent ice storm brings significant freezing rain and ice buildup into Thursday. Expect more disruptions to surface once the event ends and the cleanup begins
An ongoing ice and winter storm is impacting Quebec, threatening multi-day power outages and significant disruptions. More than 100 flights were cancelled at Montreal’s Trudeau airport on Wednesday, and many schools in southern Quebec were closed ahead of the storm.
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Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued orange freezing rain warnings for southern Quebec, indicating the storm could last up to 24 hours and disrupt services. Thousands of people are without power.
Freezing rain is expected to linger into Thursday, with a total, extended period of 20-24 hours of icy conditions across regions including Gatineau, Montreal, and the Eastern Townships.
Power outages, cancellations, and travel hazards through Thursday
Wednesday overnight, precipitation will intensify, with rain potentially mixing in for Montreal and Gatineau. Thursday morning, winds of 60-80 km/h near Montreal could escalate power outages.
RELATED: Quebec freezing rain alert prompts school closures Wednesday
Forecast totals include 10-30 mm of freezing rain in southern Quebec, with impacts greatest north of Montreal.
WATCH: Long-duration ice storm underway, power outages and cancellations in Eastern Canada
Snowfall of 20-40+ cm is expected north of Quebec City and across the Gaspé Peninsula.
Untreated surfaces will be slick, and broken tree branches are possible.
As the storm exits, a fast-moving clipper will arrive Friday night, bringing 5-10 cm of snow to ice-affected areas, adding further challenges to power restoration and cleanup efforts.
Another storm with mixed precipitation types is expected Sunday into Monday.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across Quebec.