An intense low pressure system has prompted warnings across parts of eastern Ontario and Quebec, with the risk for heavy rain, snow and ice spreading across the region into Thursday.
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The rounds of rain threaten some heavy amounts, as well as the risk for localized flooding.
“Given the frozen ground, water due to rain and snowmelt could accumulate on roads and in low-lying areas,” says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the rainfall warning.
Roads and sidewalks may also become slippery, as temperatures drop later Wednesday and the precipitation transitions over to snow. Travel will likely be impacted, so it’ll be important to stay alert to the weather warnings as conditions deteriorate.
Wednesday into Thursday: Heavy rain picks up, risk of localized flooding
The first round of rain started in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec Tuesday night, with a brief break Wednesday morning before the second round pushes in.
The greatest intensity in rainfall amounts will be Wednesday afternoon and evening for Ottawa, Gatineau, and Montreal, and then through the evening hours for Sherbrooke and Quebec City.
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A widespread 20-30 mm of rain is forecast into Thursday, with the potential for locally higher amounts up to 40 mm. This could result in some localized flooding in low-lying areas.
“A significant rise in the flow and level of some rivers is also quite possible,” says ECCC.
By Wednesday evening, snow develops on the western side of the system for Mont-Laurier and Mont-Tremblant, Que., and continues into Thursday morning. The heavy, wet snow in central sections of the province could result in power outages.
Flurries could reach as far south as the St. Lawrence river in Ontario Wednesday overnight, with the chance of some brief flurries in Montreal, as well.
A drop in temperatures could also lead to freezing of ponded water, and roads may become slippery and icy, causing difficult travel conditions and delays on Thursday morning.
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Winds will be breezy along the St. Lawrence and Eastern Townships on Thursday, with gusts reaching between 50-70 km/h.
Friday and Saturday will be mostly sunny, but very cold, and possibly the coldest days of the season so far. A system tracking south of the region could bring some light snow and possibly mixed precipitation on Sunday, ahead of mild temperatures that are expected for the first half of next week.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast updates and information on your weather across eastern Ontario and Quebec.
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