Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings for eastern Ontario and western Quebec, forecasting up to 20 cm of snow starting Wednesday morning, December 10, 2025.
The system, described as an Alberta clipper, will bring heavy snow and blowing snow across Ottawa, Montreal, the Ottawa Valley, Laurentians, and surrounding areas through Thursday evening.
Travel disruptions are expected during rush hours due to reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions.
The snow will begin in earnest around 9 am Wednesday in Ottawa, with accumulations of 15 to 20 cm possible by evening as the system moves east. Montreal and Greater Montreal areas face similar totals of 15-20 cm, while western Quebec regions like Gatineau could see 5-10 cm initially, escalating overnight.
Light snow of 2-4 cm arrived Tuesday evening around 6 pm, tapering after midnight, with a risk of freezing drizzle overnight pushing wind chills to -12°C
Temperatures will remain cold, with highs around -2°C to -5°C Wednesday and lows near -7°C overnight. Winds from the northeast at 20-40 km/h gusts will worsen blowing snow, making untreated surfaces slippery.
Thursday brings continued flurries and cloudy skies with highs of -5°C to -7°C. The warnings highlight significant impacts on highways 417, 40, and local roads.
Officials urge residents to prepare vehicles with winter tires, clear driveways early, and allow extra travel time. Public transit delays are likely in urban centers, and schools may announce closures. Environment Canada advises monitoring updates via their website or app, as the system could shift totals higher in isolated spots.
This early winter storm aligns with La Niña patterns bringing active precipitation to the region. Normal December highs hover around -2°C, but sustained cold will keep accumulations in place. Residents should stock essentials like shovels, salt, and flashlights ahead of potential power outages from heavy wet snow.
