“La circulation sur les routes et les trottoirs sera probablement très difficile,” warned Environnement Canada as a significant snowstorm swept through Ontario and Quebec on March 16, 2026.
The storm has resulted in over 2000 km of roads being closed across Ontario, with the Trans-Canada Highway shut down for nearly 900 km. Schools in regions such as Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, and Côte-Nord have also been forced to close.
In Val-d’Or, more than 20 cm of snow has already been recorded, with forecasts predicting up to 50 cm in Abitibi and as much as 75 cm in Sudbury. Winds exceeding 40 km/h are expected, contributing to reduced visibility and blowing snow.
“On s’attend à de bonnes quantités de neige pour commencer,” said meteorologist Guillaume Perron, highlighting the storm’s intensity. The transition from snow to rain and freezing rain is anticipated in the morning, complicating conditions further.
As the storm moves out of Quebec, a significant drop in temperatures is expected, with lows reaching between -10 ºC and -20 ºC after the system passes. “Une fois que le système va quitter le Québec, à l’arrière du système, on va avoir une descente d’air arctique,” Perron added, indicating a shift to colder weather.
Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, as conditions are likely to remain hazardous throughout the day.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the storm’s impact, but authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.
