US EditionEmergency Services Prepare as Freezing Rain Storm Moves Into Montreal Region
Hydro-Québec deployed 2,000 workers to repair damage after freezing rain caused outages for over 200,000 customers, with most power restored by Thursday morning.
- On March 12, 2026, Hydro‑Québec restored power, with service resuming gradually just before 9 a.m. after more than 200,000 clients lost power Wednesday, mobilizing province-wide crews.
- Environment Canada issued an orange alert, saying up to 30 millimetres of freezing rain was forecast over 24 hours starting early Wednesday for southern Quebec.
- Pulsar said intense freezing rain caused a shutdown between Brossard and Central Station, with crews manually de-icing 15 kilometres of track and more than 100 flights canceled at Montreal's Trudeau airport.
- Urgences‑santé warned residents to use carbon monoxide detectors during outages and officials reported fewer 911 calls, saying directives to stay home reduced incidents.
- Cold weather may delay full recovery, and Environment Canada lifted all freezing rain warnings for southwestern Quebec on Thursday while Hydro‑Québec spent about $150 million last year trimming trees near power lines.
14 Articles
14 Articles
The freezing rain caused numerous power outages in the city of Beloeil. Primary and secondary schools remained closed on Thursday, and several shops did not open. During the night of Wednesday to Thursday, the fall of branches awakened several residents.
Emergency services prepare as freezing rain storm moves into Montreal region
After two days of bright, beautiful weather, Montreal emergency services say they’re bracing for impact in anticipation for a plot twist in the weather. Freezing rain is falling in the south, while northern regions are facing “dangerous winter conditions.” After a few episodes of intermittent rain, a “band of freezing rain” will cross the southwestern […]
In anticipation of the ice, many schools have closed and flights have been cancelled.
Up to 30 mm of ice: these are the closed schools in Quebec
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