by Rachel Lau, CTV Montreal
Get your shovels out – there's more snow on the way for, well, most of this week.
In a snowfall warning issued Monday, Environment Canada predicts about 15 cm of snow is expected to fall, with winds up to 15 km/h.
Clouds could cover the city overnight, with a 40 per cent chance of flurries on Tuesday.
Wednesday and Thursday are expected to bring periods of snow, with flurries picking up again on Friday.
There won't be any reprieve come this weekend; Environment Canada notes there is a 60 per cent chance of flurries on both Saturday and Sunday.
And we start out the new work week with another difficult commute. @environmentca has just issued #SnowfallWarning for SW QC. A total of 15cm is expected. @CTVMontreal pic.twitter.com/yCPSHGKeQZ
— Lori Graham (@LGrahamCTV) February 10, 2020
The city has been vigorously trying to clear the snow after about 40 cm of snowfall fell in less than 24 hours last week.
Officials say they hope to have all of it removed by this Friday.
"More than 3,000 employees and nearly 2,200 snow removal vehicles [will work] on the 10,000 km of streets and sidewalks," the city stated. "Hospitals, public transit networks and major arteries will be prioritized."
As of 8 a.m. Monday, 24 per cent of city streets have been cleared, according to the Info-Neige app.
The boroughs with the most progress include Lachine (33 per cent), Montreal North (34 per cent) and Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension (31 per cent).
The slowest? Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (16 per cent), Saint Laurent (13 per cent) and Verdun (11 per cent).
City officials note this is the fifth snow clearing operation of the 2019-2020 season.
Another cyclist trying his luck on the mostly snowy streets. Mind your way no matter how you go today. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/y6VzFZWDW3
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) February 10, 2020
Authorities are reminding Quebecers to check how much snow is on their roofs – in particular, watch out for any cracks on the walls, doors that jam, deformations on the ceiling or if there is any water infiltration.
"It's not so much the quantity in terms of thickness, but more the weight of the snow we must monitor," said Sylvain Lamothe, a spokesperson for the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. "Roofs in Quebec are made to withstand the rigours of the climate, but the fact remains you have to be vigilant as an owner."
As always, the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is reminding Quebecers that driving with ice and snow compacted on your car is not only dangerous – it’s prohibited.
“No person may drive a vehicle covered with ice, snow, or any other matter that may detach from the vehicle and constitute a hazard for other road users,” the SAAQ said, noting offenders could face a hefty fine.
During slippery conditions, or at times when visibility is reduced, drivers are encouraged to slow down and be careful.
Tough slog not only for motorists and pedestrians but also for the cyclist(s)who are out here. Please watch out for people walking in the streets to avoid snowy sidewalks. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/Tg4vIwoNLZ
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) February 10, 2020
Here are a few tips to stay safe while on the roads in the winter:
City of #Montreal making good on its promise to keep hilly streets in good shape -plow just passed on Atwater which was already pretty clear & salted before. Sidewalk plow just passed by too. Side streets, most sidewalks will have to wait so time & patience needed there. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/P7Gm7Kd3ii
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) February 10, 2020