The April 2023 ice storm caused significant power outages and damage, affecting over a million households. This event left a lasting impact on the region, prompting residents and officials to prepare for similar weather phenomena in the future.
Current Situation
As of March 9, 2026, an ice storm is expected to bring accumulations of 20 to 30 millimeters of freezing rain in southern Quebec. Environment Canada has issued orange warnings for freezing rain in the Greater Montreal area, Montérégie, Outaouais, and Lanaudière, indicating a potentially critical situation. According to the agency, “Une situation potentiellement critique de pluie verglaçante est prévue, a-t-on indiqué.”
Impact and Concerns
The storm could mirror the severity of the April 2023 event, which left over a million households without electricity, including 400,000 clients in Montreal alone. The freezing rain event is expected to last up to 24 hours, raising concerns about significant damage to property, buildings, and trees due to the weight of the ice. Transport delays and cancellations are likely due to icy conditions, with Julien Pellerin noting, “C’est toujours difficile de savoir exactement.”
Emergency Preparations
In response to the impending storm, Hydro-Québec is closely monitoring the situation and will deploy necessary resources as conditions develop. Emergency services, including firefighters and police, will be on standby, with nearly 1,000 employees ready to assist. Alexandre Devaux-Guizani stated, “Des pompiers, des policiers et près de 1000 employés seront déployés sur le terrain.”
Public Advisory
Officials are advising residents to avoid non-essential travel during the storm. The combination of freezing rain and expected winds of up to 70 km/h in northern regions could exacerbate the situation, making roads treacherous and increasing the risk of accidents.
Looking Ahead
As the storm approaches, uncertainties remain regarding the extent of power outages and damage compared to previous events. Details remain unconfirmed, and residents are urged to stay informed through official channels.
With the potential for significant impacts from the upcoming ice storm, Quebec’s residents are advised to prepare accordingly and heed warnings from local authorities.
