Montreal snowstorm

Montreal's Snowstorm: 40 cm of Fun and Frolic or Just Frostbite?

Digging out from a massive snowstorm, Canadians are embracing their winter wonderland—just don’t forget your shovel!

As winter continues to flex its icy muscles across Eastern Canada, people in Ontario and Quebec found themselves wading through some serious snow. The latest storm graced Montreal with a staggering 40 centimeters of the white stuff, leaving residents scrambling to dig themselves out and find their lost mittens. For anyone who thought winter in Canada was all about cozy nights by the fire, think again! The roads are seeing a plethora of snowplows, and there's a whole new level of cardio being experienced as families tackle their driveways after the storm subsides.

With Environment and Climate Change Canada issuing a blowing snow advisory, Montreal's commuters are urged to take extra care navigating through not only the snow but also the wind gusts reaching up to 70 km/h. Visibility has plummeted to near-zero, making even the most skilled drivers feel like they're in an ice skating competition with their car. The city, shrouded in a fluffy (but heavy) layer of snow, has become a winter wonderland—perfect for snowball fights, but not so much for running late to work!

As the light snow is expected to taper off, the aftermath of the storm leaves behind cloudy skies, reminding residents that winter isn't backing down anytime soon. In addition to being bundled up like stuffed turkeys, Montrealers are learning to embrace the inevitable delays in the daily grind. Pro tip: When digging out from this runway of white, don’t forget to take breaks!

Many local businesses are taking advantage of the weather too, offering snow day deals to attract the snowed-in crowd. Let’s face it—there's nothing like a hot chocolate from your favorite café after a long day of shoveling. Plus, snow days mean more time to reminisce about those sunny summer days while you sip that cocoa!

And as Montreal tries to keep its head above the snow, it’s important to acknowledge that this isn’t the first time winters have thrown a tantrum. In fact, the 1970s and 80s saw some of the biggest snowfalls on record—one legendary storm in 1971 left over 47 cm of snow within mere hours! On a lighter note, experiencing a snowstorm like this is a true Canadian rite of passage for those who dare—and don’t forget, a strategic snow fort can turn any snowy chaos into an afternoon of fun!