Winter Wonderland Turns Dangerous: Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Holiday Travel in Quebec

As the snowflakes began to fall Monday night, they painted much of Quebec in a picturesque blanket of white, promising a magical Christmas for many. However, this winter wonderland also turned into a treacherous scenario for holiday travelers, with numerous accidents reported across the province.

Provincial officials were kept busy as cars skidded off the roads on major routes, including the busy highways 10, 20, 40, and 15. The Quebec 511 traffic information service indicated that these incidents led to multiple lane closures, creating significant congestion during this peak travel period. Fortunately, as the snowfall began to lighten, traffic conditions reclaimed some normality, allowing travelers to breathe a sigh of relief.

But that's not all; while Quebec was grappling with snow, areas in Atlantic Canada faced their own challenges. Snowfall warnings have been issued, predicting further wintry weather through Christmas Eve, creating a double whammy for travelers.

Meanwhile, British Columbia's coast is bracing for powerful winds as the first of several storms moves inland, raising concerns about additional disruptions. Environment Canada reported that a low-pressure system blanketed much of southern Quebec with between 10 and 15 cm of soft, fluffy snow. By 10 a.m. the following day, Montreal and Gatineau saw accumulations of 13 cm, while Granby experienced 12 cm. Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières were not far behind, with 11 cm apiece.

In the midst of the chaos, the spokesperson for Quebec’s Transport Department reassured the public that the situation on the roads had stabilized, and routes were cleared ahead of Christmas Eve travel. Nevertheless, travelers are reminded to exercise caution and plan their trips carefully as conditions may still change rapidly.

So, whether you’re hoping for a smooth drive to family gatherings or want to hit the slopes for some festive skiing, stay informed and drive safely! Will the snowy charm of Quebec enhance your holiday experience or will it become an obstacle? Only time will tell!