Severe Weather Alert for Québec
“Des conditions météo violentes [qui] entraîneront probablement d’importants dommages, d’importantes répercussions ou d’importants effets sur la santé,” warned Environnement Canada regarding the impending ice storm expected on Wednesday, March 10, 2026. The agency has issued an orange warning, indicating a serious threat to public safety and infrastructure.
The forecast predicts between 20 to 30 millimeters of freezing rain, raising concerns about significant disruptions across the province. In anticipation of the severe weather, more than 30 school service centers have announced closures, prioritizing the safety of students and staff.
In addition to school closures, major universities in the area have also suspended their in-person activities. The Université de Montréal, along with McGill University and Concordia University, have taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their communities.
Hydro-Québec is preparing to deploy teams to address potential power outages, which could be widespread given the severity of the storm. Cendrix Bouchard from Hydro-Québec stated, “Au besoin, on aura la capacité […] de déplacer des équipes d’une région à l’autre” to respond effectively to any emergencies that may arise.
As the storm approaches, the City of Montreal has advised residents to limit their travel as much as possible. Alexandre Devaux-Guizani emphasized, “Les Montréalais doivent limiter leurs déplacements le plus possible” to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure public safety during the hazardous conditions.
This event marks the most significant ice storm since April 2023, raising concerns about the potential impact on health and safety. Josiane Castonguay remarked, “Ce qu’on souhaite, c’est de rester en sécurité, de s’assurer qu’on suit bien les consignes qui nous sont données,” highlighting the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during this critical time.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of the ice storm on power outages and other infrastructure. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary.
