Flash freeze imminent for Quebec as winds, heavy snow hit province
High winds and heavy snow will lead to tough or impossible travel across Quebec into Saturday. An imminent flash freeze will make matters even worse.
A high-impact winter storm is rolling into Quebec just in time to start the long holiday weekend. High winds, heavy snowfall, and rapidly falling temperatures will make for exceptionally dangerous travel during the storm.
Heavy snowfall, high winds, a flash freeze, and whiteout conditions are all possible as the storm sweeps through the province into Saturday.
RELATED: Holiday havoc: Vast, 3,000-km-sized storm puts travel plans in peril
Power outages, school closures, flight cancellations rack up
Winter storm and snowfall warnings are widespread across Quebec as the storm makes its way through the region on Friday.
HydroQuebec reported late Friday afternoon that more than 350,000 homes and businesses were without power across Quebec as the storm’s high winds swept the province. Airlines cancelled more than 100 flights out of Montreal on Friday, with even more delays mounting as conditions deteriorate.
Morning snow changed over to rain as southerly winds spread warmer air over southern Quebec. Temperatures will rapidly fall through the late afternoon and early evening hours as the cold front pushes through, forcing precipitation to change back to snow and leading to the risk for a flash freeze.
Any wet surfaces run the risk of quickly freezing as the frigid air rushes across the province. Flash freezes are exceptionally dangerous to any motorists caught on the roads during or after the temperature drop. A widespread flash freeze warning is in effect.
"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the warning. "There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas."
Significant snowfall rates are forecast through Friday for the Laurentians, and communities along the St. Lawrence including Montreal.
WATCH: Whiteout conditions plague Laurentians as thousands remain without power
Gusty winds will pick up behind the cold front, with gusts of 70-90 km/h common across the southern half of the province. These gusts could lead to damage or power outages throughout the region. Blowing snow and low to near-zero visibility will also pose a significant risk to motorists.
Residents are reminded to pack emergency kits in their vehicle if travel absolutely cannot be avoided.
High winds and blowing snow continue Saturday for Christmas Eve
Snowfall rates will calm down as we head into Christmas Eve, but slick roads and high winds will make travel difficult across Quebec throughout the day. Whiteouts will remain a hazard Saturday as blowing snow continues.
Although snowfall rates will lighten, weather threats will make travel difficult Saturday as winds will remain blustery through Christmas Eve and widespread snow will continue. With blowing snow in place, whiteouts will still be possible. Some areas may see as much as 50 centimetres of snow by the time all is said and done.
Daytime high temperatures will only reach the negative single digits across Quebec, with much colder wind chill values expected for the duration.
Cold temperatures persist, but light snow for Christmas on Sunday
Blowing and drifting snow with snow flurries will continue across the province Christmas Day, however snowfall will be rather light.
Temperatures will remain quite cold and hold at minus double-digit highs across the northern half of the province Sunday through early next week.
Check back for the latest on the forecast across Quebec.
Thumbnail image courtesy: Rachid Khelafi.
