A woman crosses a near deserted street in downtown Montreal during a winter snow storm on Monday, January 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
MONTREAL – Environment Canada is warning Quebecers to prepare emergency kits that can help sustain them for up to 72 hours without power, as a major storm approaches the province.
The weather agency is forecasting heavy snow, rain and strong winds for many regions in Quebec starting Thursday.
Meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin says Quebecers should prepare for the possibility of blackouts “for prolonged periods.”
Bégin says winds between 80 and 120 kilometres per hour are forecast for most regions, adding that the strongest winds are expected east of Quebec City.
Environment Canada says that aside from preparing emergency kits, Quebecers should charge batteries for electronic equipment and test generators.
Regions north of the St. Lawrence River, such as the Laurentians, Lanaudière and Mauricie, are expected to receive up to 40 centimetres of snow.
In Montreal and other parts of southern Quebec, warming weather will bring rain on Friday and freezing rain later that evening when the temperature drops.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2022.
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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
