Quebec Braces for Major Freezing Rain Storm, Potential Power Outages

Environment Canada is warning of a significant freezing rain storm expected to impact parts of Quebec, potentially leading to widespread power outages, transportation disruptions, and hazardous conditions. An “orange alert” has been issued for much of southern Quebec, urging residents to prepare for major disruptions.

Storm Details and Forecast

The freezing rain is forecast to initiate around 6 a.m. In the Montreal area and the Ottawa Valley on Wednesday, affecting the morning commute. Between 20 and 30 millimetres of freezing rain are expected in these areas, with the event potentially lasting up to 24 hours.

Meteorologist Eric Tomlinson of Environment and Climate Change Canada noted that a few degrees of temperature change can significantly alter the impact of the storm. Environment Canada is closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory to determine when and where precipitation might transition to rain.

Areas further north in Quebec, including Charlevoix, Saguenay, and Rimouski, could receive 20 to 30 centimetres of snow. Parts of Atlantic Canada are also expected to experience a mix of snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, and rain from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon.

Impact and Preparations

Environment Canada anticipates transportation delays and cancellations, as well as prolonged utility outages. The agency strongly advises against non-essential travel. “Significant damage to property, including some buildings and trees, is likely due to the weight of ice,” according to a statement from the weather agency.

Cold weather following the storm may further complicate recovery efforts and delay the restoration of normal services.

Utility and Municipal Responses

Hydro-Québec spokesperson Cendrix Bouchard stated that the utility is preparing to deploy crews to the hardest-hit areas. The company has 550 crews, totaling 1,100 line workers, and necessary equipment ready for quick repairs.

City of Montreal officials are preparing to increase road-clearing crews and potentially open warming shelters if needed. The city began clearing storm drains on Tuesday to prevent clogging and will begin spreading salt early Wednesday morning.

Alexandre Devaux-Guizani, head of the city’s executive committee, urged Montrealers who can to stay home on Wednesday. “We are asking employers for flexibility to move towards teleworking,” Devaux-Guizani said.

Public Transit

Montreal’s public transit agency, the STM, expects delays and is monitoring the situation closely. Bus drivers will exercise extra caution, and service updates will be provided in real-time.

The REM, Montreal’s light-rail network, is also monitoring the situation. Crews have implemented new techniques to counter freezing rain, including applying a biodegradable anti-freeze product to overhead power lines. Trains will run throughout the night from Tuesday to Wednesday to prevent ice buildup.

Recent Ice Storm History

The approaching storm is similar in “intensity and scope” to the major ice storm that hit Quebec in April 2023, when over one million Hydro-Québec customers lost power.

Areas Under Warning

The areas in Quebec under a freezing rain warning include:

• Greater Montreal
• Montérégie
• Outaouais
• Lanaudière
• Laurentians
• Parc du Mont-Tremblant
• Mauricie
• Drummondville
• Quebec City