Weather Warnings Issued as High Winds Knock Out Power to More Than 150,000 Quebecers
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued widespread weather warnings across Quebec, as powerful winds have left over 150,000 residents without power. The situation is particularly severe in regions such as the Laurentians, Lanaudière, and Montérégie, where the bulk of the outages have been reported. In the Montreal area alone, nearly 20,000 households are experiencing electricity disruptions.
Wind and Snow Squall Warnings in Effect
Yellow snow-squall warnings are currently in effect for most of the province, stretching from the western border to Saguenay, including the Laurentians. Additionally, wind warnings have been issued for the Quebec City region and areas extending northeast toward the New Brunswick border. While Montreal itself has not received official weather warnings, the city is experiencing significant wind activity.
Montreal Faces Strong Gusts and Dropping Temperatures
In Montreal, snowfall is expected to taper off this morning, but high winds will persist throughout the day. Wind gusts could reach up to 80 kilometers per hour in the morning, gradually weakening to around 60 km/h by the afternoon. Temperatures, which hovered near freezing in the early hours, are forecast to drop sharply to minus-8 degrees Celsius by the afternoon. With wind chill factored in, it will feel like minus-16 degrees Celsius.
Evening Conditions and Continued Impact
The wind is predicted to continue easing into the evening, with temperatures falling further to minus-12 degrees Celsius and a wind chill of minus-14 degrees Celsius. Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on weather alerts as the situation evolves. The widespread power outages highlight the disruptive impact of this severe weather event across Quebec.
