The inaugural heavy snowfall of the season has prompted school closures and power outages across Quebec, with snow removal operations set to commence in Montreal on Tuesday.
Following a night of substantial snowfall in Quebec, several schools declared a snow day and canceled classes.
By 2:30 p.m., Montreal had received 31 centimeters of snow, while the Laurentians experienced accumulations of 25 to 30 centimeters, and the Townships received between 15 and 30 centimeters.
The weight of the heavy snowfall led to the snapping of tree branches, resulting in widespread power outages, particularly in the Eastern Townships and the Montérégie region. As of 4 p.m., approximately 52,000 customers were left without electricity.
The closures affected all schools and daycares within the Eastern Townships School Board, as well as Rawdon Elementary, Joliette Elementary, Joliette High schools, and Vanguard school and daycare.
Additionally, Royal Vale School remained closed on Tuesday due to heating issues, as announced shortly after 4 p.m. on Monday.
Kahnawà:ke education centers and offices also shut down due to poor road conditions and power outages.
In Montreal, the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) cautioned its users about service delays caused by adverse weather conditions, offering a shuttle service as an alternative. Commuter trains also faced challenges on Monday morning.
Travelers planning to fly from Montreal today should check the YUL Airport website, as several departing flights have been either delayed or canceled.
Cleanup operations are now in progress, with Philippe Sabourin, a spokesperson for the city of Montreal, reporting that snow-clearing activities, including plowing and salting of streets, have already commenced.
City workers began clearing the snow during the night, and as of 7 a.m. on Tuesday, they will initiate the snow removal process, according to Lachine Mayor Maja Vodanovic. More than 2,200 equipment vehicles and 3,000 staff members will be deployed, with the endeavor expected to take four to five days to complete.
The city will also focus on removing fallen branches. Vodanovic has urged residents to ensure that sidewalks are clear of debris, as fallen branches, cinder blocks, and trash can potentially damage equipment. She also encouraged people to embrace the festive season, noting that many are delighted by the arrival of snow.