Montreal snow squall warning: near-zero visibility and hazardous roads expected

A yellow warning has been issued by Environment Canada may catch drivers off guard.

According to a report by MétéoMédia, snow squalls during the afternoon and early evening will account for up to 5 cm of snowfall falling in a short period of time.

Temperatures will drop below –5°C, with wind gusts up to 50 km per hour bringing blowing snow.

While more snow is great news for skiers, snow squalls are also in the mix, bringing brief but sudden bursts of heavy snow that can quickly deteriorate driving conditions. 

Read more: Where to find the best skiing around Montreal

The commute home could abruptly turn hazardous as snow begins falling intensely over a short span of time.

Bands of snow are expected to sweep across the north shore of the St. Lawrence River from the afternoon into the evening.

Accumulations should remain between 3 and 5 cm but these amounts are enough to make roads slick. 

Drivers should be especially cautious on highways 15, 25, 40, and 50, as well as routes 117 and 125.

With temperatures staying well below –5°C, the snow will be dry and powdery. 

Gusts reaching up to 70 km per hour by late day could cause blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility at times, with fresh snow drifting onto recently plowed roads. 

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