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A sudden winter storm is poised to cover parts of Quebec and Atlantic Canada with snow just two days into the spring season, starting on Sunday. In Quebec, areas including the Greater Montreal Area, Monteregie, Drummondville, and Estrie are expected to receive nearly 10 centimetres of snow. Environment Canada has warned residents to prepare for snowfall rates that could reach two centimetres per hour at times.
Snow Forecast for Quebec
The weather system is set to sweep across the region, bringing significant snowfall beginning Sunday afternoon. In addition to the Greater Montreal Area, other regions in Quebec are bracing for a wintry mix. The most intense snowfall is anticipated during Sunday evening and into Monday morning, with the possibility of intensifying as the storm progresses.
Residents should be prepared for heavy, wet snow as temperatures hover around the freezing mark, complicating travel conditions. As the storm moves northward, areas in northern Nova Scotia may start to see snow early Monday morning, with Cape Breton expected to experience snowfall by mid-morning.
Atlantic Canada Under Heavy Snow Warning
As the storm continues to develop, much of Nova Scotia is forecasted to receive between 10 and 15 centimetres of snow, particularly affecting the southwestern shore from Digby to Halifax. Environment Canada has issued warnings that some regions may experience a mix of snow and ice pellets on Monday evening, although the exact locations of this mix remain uncertain.
Newfoundland is also bracing for significant snowfall, with yellow winter storm watches issued for the island’s southern, central, and northeastern regions. In eastern Newfoundland, residents should prepare for 30 to 50 centimetres of snow beginning Monday evening until the following night. Wind gusts could reach up to 100 km/h, creating hazardous conditions.
Travel Cautions and Weather Alerts
As the storm unfolds, authorities are advising caution on the roads. Visibility may drop to near zero during heavy snowfall, particularly on Monday night into Tuesday. In addition to the heavy snowfall, gusty winds are expected to exacerbate conditions, with warnings in effect for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Environment Canada has noted that as temperatures rise above zero on Tuesday, the snow is likely to transition into ice pellets and rain, potentially leading to further complications on the roads. A second wave of poor visibility may occur Tuesday night due to blowing snow as temperatures dip once more.
Why it Matters
This late winter storm underscores the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in Canada, reminding residents that spring can bring its own set of challenges. As communities in Quebec and Atlantic Canada prepare for significant snowfall, the impact on daily life, travel, and local economies could be substantial. Understanding these weather shifts is crucial for safety and preparedness, especially as the transition into warmer months approaches.