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It’s official: an ice storm is on its way to Montreal.
According to a report by MeteoMedia, up to 45 mm of ice accumulation (up from 30 mm) is forecast in some areas, particularly along Montreal’s North Shore.
The powerful weather system is moving in, and Montreal’s North Shore suburbs are directly in the storm’s path—likely to be the hardest hit by freezing rain.
When is the ice storm expected to hit Montreal?
Freezing rain should begin falling across the Greater Montreal area just in time for rush hour tomorrow morning.
Environment Canada has issued an orange alert for major Quebec freezing rain storm, forecasting prolonged utility outages and significant damage to property—including some buildings and trees, is likely due to the weight of ice.
With strong wind gusts likely to worsen conditions, power outages are all but inevitable (make sure your phone is fully charged by Tuesday night).
The afternoon rush hour is expected to be even worse than the morning commute, particularly for Montreal and the North Shore.
The report continues to warn that freezing rain could continue into mid-evening in Montreal, and until late evening in the Lower Laurentians, and its intensity may briefly ease before picking up again later in the afternoon.
Roads across these regions—especially Highways 50, 13, 15, 25, 640, 440 and Highway 40—could become fully or partially ice-covered on Wednesday.
Secondary routes such as Highways 105, 138, 148, 158, 344 and 335 will also need to be closely monitored, and may be best avoided.
Authorities recommend keeping travel to an absolute minimum—and that applies to more than just drivers.
Sidewalks, stairways and parking lots will also be exposed to freezing rain and may not benefit from the same de-icing treatment as many roads.
For pedestrians, ice cleats will likely be extremely useful—if not essential—on Wednesday and Thursday.
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