Montreal Braces for Major Ice Storm with Widespread Disruptions
Transportation agencies across Montreal are on high alert as a significant freezing rain event is set to impact the city starting Wednesday. This severe weather has prompted numerous closures and service modifications, affecting schools, public transit, and other essential services.
School Closures Across the Region
Most educational institutions in the Montreal area will be closed on Wednesday due to the impending ice storm. All public elementary and high schools in the region have announced closures, including 20 English-language school boards and French-language school service centres. Additionally, major universities such as Concordia and McGill have confirmed they will be closed. Other post-secondary institutions are monitoring the situation closely and may announce further decisions as conditions develop.
Public Transit Adjustments and Precautions
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has stated that while planned services remain unchanged, significant disruptions are expected. Buses may operate less frequently, particularly on specific routes, and delays are anticipated due to hazardous road conditions. STM chair Aref Salem advised commuters to allow extra time for their journeys and stay updated via real-time service alerts. Buses will be rerouted around streets deemed too icy for safe travel, with ongoing updates available at stm.info/hiver.
The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) will close early on Tuesday, with the last departures from Gare Centrale scheduled for 11 p.m. This early closure allows workers to apply de-icing products to the rails in preparation for the storm. The REM noted that this timing considers both the end of a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre and the expected onset of freezing rain overnight. To prevent ice buildup on the overhead electrical lines, empty REM cars will circulate throughout the night. Starting Wednesday, train frequency will be adjusted to every five minutes across the entire network to reduce ice accumulation and ensure reliable service.
In Laval, the Société de transport de Laval (STL) is closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to limit non-essential travel. The agency warned that some streets may become impassable, leading to significant delays or trip cancellations. This comes amid existing challenges, as the STL is already dealing with a parts shortage that has forced the cancellation of approximately 2.6 percent of its bus trips.
Airport and Highway Impacts
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport has issued warnings that freezing rain conditions could disrupt flight schedules and create hazardous road conditions. Travelers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow additional time for their commutes.
Quebec’s transport ministry is recommending that road users postpone all non-essential travel. Ministry teams will be deployed across the road network to apply de-icing agents and abrasives before and during the weather event to maintain safety.
Community Safety and Preparedness
Authorities emphasize the importance of staying informed and taking precautions during this severe weather event. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from local news sources and transportation agencies to navigate the disruptions safely. The combination of school closures, transit adjustments, and flight delays underscores the widespread impact of this ice storm on daily life in Montreal.
