Snowfall warning issued for Montreal with up to 20 cm expected

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says an early spring storm is expected to bring slushy snow to the greater Montreal area in the coming days.

The weather agency issued a snowfall warning Wednesday morning, saying total snowfall accumulations of 15 to 20 centimetres are expected starting Wednesday evening and last into Thursday evening.

The storm will start with rain and change to snow overnight.

Meteorologist Michèle Fleury says the majority of the snow will have fallen by Thursday morning.

"It's going to be heavy snow, it's going to be slushy, so we can also expect accumulation in weight forming on trees and structures that may cause power outages," she said.

The ECCC says rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult in some areas, adding there may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.

Other areas, including the Eastern Townships, Charlevoix and part of Gaspésie, are expected to get between 20 to 30 centimetres of snow.

The agency is asking people to consider postponing any non-essential travel.

The snow is expected to melt as temperatures across the province rise Friday and into the weekend.