The storm walloping Montreal will make the commute home a challenge this afternoon, with Environment Canada warning "rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations."
Police are out directing traffic at particularly slippery intersections.
Earlier today, officers prevented drivers from going south on Côte-des-Neiges Road at Cedar Avenue.
Buses were unable to make it up the hill and some people got off and walked.
A bendy bus has hit a pole on CDN near Dr. Penfield. Blocking northbound traffic #storm #weather pic.twitter.com/bJnBUb0ZVs
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@simon_nak
Earlier this morning, there were also problems in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Montreal West, where traffic was backlogged on St-Jacques Street.
A snowfall warning is in effect for the greater Montreal area and parts of the Laurentians.
Snowstorm in Montréal #cbcmtl #weather #Tempete pic.twitter.com/E0v0wGmXct
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@kristyjrich
In the Quebec City area, the wintry conditions will be worse. A winter storm warning is in effect for central Quebec, with up to 50 centimetres expected, along with severe winds and blowing snow.
Clearing efforts underway
The City of Montreal's snow-clearing crews have been at work for several hours, said city spokesperson Philippe Sabourin.
The crews take to the streets once there are 2.5 centimetres of snow on the ground.
"We have 1,000 employees, and 1,000 engines will plow the snow," said Sabourin.
One thousand employees will be part of the snow-clearing operation, according to the City of Montreal. (Charles Contant/CBC)
Major arteries will get cleared first, along with the entrances to public buildings such as hospitals, schools and Metro stations and sidewalks, Sabourin said.
Free parking lots will be available to drivers so city crews can clear the streets more quickly.
The city's 6,000 kilometres of sidewalks will also get cleared, but it will take hours to get the job done.
The city is bringing in hundreds more workers, up to a total of 3,200, for the snow removal operation. About 15 centimetres had fallen by 3:30 p.m. Another eight centimetres are expected before the storm passes.
The city advises caution on the roads and is asking anyone who doesn't have winter tires to stop driving altogether.
No major changes to operations
Jean-François Parenteau, the executive committee member who oversees snow clearing operations, said residents won't see major differences in snow clearing and removal operations under the Plante administration.
"The experience of city employees and their expertise is the same, it exists from year to year," he said.
A group of women push their baby carriages through the park on Tuesday, in the midst of the storm. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)
Sabourin encourages Montrealers to take public transit for the next couple of days.
"The best advice will be to take public transit — buses or the Metro — because, of course, we are on the road with 1,000 engines to make sure it's going to be safe to travel around the city. It's going to be easier if you take the Metro or the bus."
Adapt to road conditions
If you do have to drive, Environment Canada warns that "rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult."
When driving in winter, don't forget to brush off your car and check that your windshield wipers work well. (Charles Contant/CBC)
Drivers should also keep extra distance from the vehicle ahead of them to give themselves more braking time.
Under the Highway Safety Code, drivers who fail to adapt to the road conditions could face a $60 fine.
The Quebec intercity bus company Orléans Express is advising clients to expect delays Tuesday and Wednesday on its routes.
All departures are conditional on the weather, and that many delays, cancellations and interruptions are anticipated.
If you're scheduled to fly in the next couple of days, it's best to check your flight status ahead of time.
And Operation Nez Rouge has announced it won't be operating tonight due to the weather.
Weather forecast
Here's what's in store over the next few days.
Montreal area forecast:
- Tuesday: Snow and blowing snow (15+ cm). High near –5 C.
- Wednesday: Light snow (five to 10 cm). High near –10 C.
- Thursday: Sunny, very cold. High near –12 C.
Quebec City area:
- Tuesday: Snow. Blowing snow in the afternoon. (15+ cm.) Wind gusts up to 90 km/h. High near –6 C.
- Wednesday: Snow and local blowing snow. High near –5 C.
- Thursday: Blowing snow. Windy. High near –10 C.
Despite the weather calling for up to 20 centimetres of snow, all schools on the island of Montreal were open Tuesday. (Charles Contant/CBC)
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