Up to 40 cm of snow expected by tonight for parts of eastern Quebec

Parts of eastern Quebec will be buried under up to 40 centimetres of snow once the system hovering over Atlantic Canada moves on later tonight.

Environment Canada says snowy conditions could still complicate the commute home for Central Quebec, the Eastern Townships, Charlevoix and the Beauce.

Impending nor'easter forces Maritime airports to cancel flights

The Gaspé will continue to see winter storm conditions this evening, with up to 40 centimetres of snow.

Regions along the St. Lawrence River could see winds reaching up to 90 km/h locally along the shoreline. Environment Canada is also warning people to remain cautious of rising water levels.

Around 10 centimetres of snow had fallen on the Quebec City region by mid-day, while Montreal and Trois-Rivières received 15 to 20 centimetres, according to Environment Canada.

Highway 132 has been closed between Lévis and Montmagny since early Wednesday morning. (Cimon Leblanc/Radio-Canada)

Wind gusts of up to 98 km/h were recorded on Quebec City's south shore, forcing the Ministry of Transport to close down most roads in the region.

Roads, ferries closed for the day

Motorists trying to travel between Lévis and Rivière-du-Loup have had to stay put since Wednesday morning, as Highways 20 and 132, which link the two towns, are closed because of low visibility.

Students in several parts of the province got to stay home this morning.

Montrealers woke up to a thick heavy blanket of snow on Wednesday. (Charles Contant/CBC)

Classes were cancelled in the Beauce, Charlevoix, Lower St. Lawrence, Gaspé and North Shore regions.

Orléans Express buses are also staying put until the weather clears up, forcing the cancellation of several departures to and from eastern Quebec today. Ferries on the North Shore are also docked until further notice.

This is the second major system to pass through Quebec in less than one week.