Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special weather advisory on Monday cautioning about a potentially significant freezing rain event expected in the middle of the week. The federal agency has indicated that freezing rain is likely to commence early on Wednesday and persist through Thursday, bringing an accumulation of 20 to 30 millimetres. This prolonged event, lasting up to 24 hours, could disrupt certain services, according to the agency.
The regions highlighted in the advisory include Greater Montreal, Montéregie, Laurentians, Lanaudière, Outaouais, Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec, and Quebec City. ECCC has alerted residents to possible transportation disruptions and cancellations, with subsequent cold temperatures potentially prolonging the return to normal services. The buildup of ice may result in fallen trees, power line disruptions, and hazardous conditions on sidewalks, the agency added.
ECCC meteorologist Giselle Dookhie, in an interview, mentioned that there is still some uncertainty surrounding the system as it is over a day away from impacting Quebec. Nonetheless, she emphasized the concern over the potential for an extended period of freezing rain. The last major ice storm in Quebec occurred in April 2023, affecting over a million Hydro-Québec customers.
While the southern parts of the province are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, Quebec as a whole and sections of Atlantic Canada will feel its impact. Areas like Lac-Saint-Jean and its surroundings in the north are anticipated to face heavier snowfall, with up to 40 centimetres expected. In contrast, the Eastern Townships, already dealing with significant snow accumulation, might experience localized flooding.
Hydro-Québec has refrained from commenting for now, awaiting a more precise forecast before providing further updates.