A final bout of severe winter weather is poised to strike Montreal as the year 2025 comes to an end. Environment Canada has issued warnings for a combination of winter storm conditions and freezing rain, threatening to create hazardous travel and potentially cause power outages across the region.
Forecast Details and Expected Impacts
The system is expected to arrive in the coming days, bringing a messy mix of precipitation. The primary concern for Montreal and surrounding areas is a significant period of freezing rain. This type of weather event coats surfaces in a layer of ice, making roads and sidewalks extremely slippery and increasing the risk for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Utility companies are on alert, as ice accumulation on power lines and tree branches can lead to downed lines and subsequent blackouts. The storm follows a pattern of active winter weather for the province, reminiscent of an ice event documented in Montreal back on Sunday, March 30, 2025, which left vehicles encased in ice, as captured in a photo by Graham Hughes for The Canadian Press.
Preparations and Safety Advice
Local authorities are advising residents to take necessary precautions. This includes postponing non-essential travel once the freezing rain begins, ensuring emergency kits are stocked with supplies for at least 72 hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Motorists are strongly encouraged to monitor road condition updates and consider using winter tires, which are mandatory in Quebec until March 15.
The timing of the storm, coinciding with the final days of the year, may disrupt holiday travel plans and New Year's Eve festivities. Public transit agencies are preparing for potential delays and service adjustments.
Broader National Weather Context
This Quebec storm is part of a larger pattern of severe winter conditions across Canada. The country experienced a wintry Boxing Day, with snow, freezing rain, and extreme cold affecting various regions from coast to coast. Such events highlight the importance of heeding weather warnings and preparing for the unpredictable nature of Canadian winters.
As Montreal braces for this icy finale to 2025, the key message from officials is one of caution and preparedness. Staying informed through official weather channels and allowing extra time for any necessary travel can help ensure safety as the year closes under a glaze of winter ice.
