Here’s how to stay safe and protect your home in an ice storm

Montreal is urging residents to stay home, eliminate non-essential travel and use public transit if necessary due to the impact of Wednesday’s freezing rain.

Total accumulations of 20 to 30 millimetres of freezing rain are forecasted in the Greater Montreal area from Wednesday to Thursday.

The “critical freezing rain,” according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), could last up to 24 hours, potentially paralyzing services and causing widespread power outages.

More coverage of the ice storm:

• Several schools announce closures ahead of Wednesday’s ice storm
• Montreal braces for ice storm, urges residents to stay home
• Environment Canada says ‘critical’ freezing rain expected in Montreal

“There will likely be transportation delays and cancellations,” the agency notes. “Surfaces will become icy and increase the risk of falls and injuries.”

Areas expected to be affected include Greater Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec and the Quebec City region.

• Listen on CJAD 800 Radio: Montreal expecting ‘critical freezing rain.’ Here’s what you need to know

As the province prepares, here are a few tips from Intact on how to stay safe and protect your home.

Before the storm:

• Monitor alerts and avoid non‑essential travel.
• Secure outdoor items and park away from trees and power lines.
• Keep exterior vents, chimneys and exhausts clear; test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
• Locate the plumbing shut-off valve in your home so you can react quickly should a pipe freeze and burst.
• Stock a 72‑hour kit (water, food, first aid, flashlights, batteries, blankets, radio).
• Charge phones and electronic devices.
• Write down a list of emergency contacts.
• Clear and sand/salt walkways.
• Check your gutters and roofs for potential ice dams or icicles.

If you must be on the road:

• Clear all snow/ice from your vehicle.
• Drive slowly with low beams and extra distance.
• Carry a winter car kit (blanket, shovel, traction aids, cables, scraper, sand/kitty litter, water, snacks).
• Stay on main routes and share your route/ETA.
• Use non-slip shoe spikes (crampons) when walking.

During the storm:

• Avoid travelling.
• Prioritize staying indoors when possible.
• Use generators outdoors only, away from openings.
• If using a space heater, make sure you’re doing so safely.

If power goes out:

• Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid a surge when power comes back.
• Keep fridges/freezers closed to preserve coldness.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent a fire hazard.
• Prevent frozen pipes: keep your home warm by opening cabinets near plumbing and running a trickle of water, if advised.
• Check on your neighbours when possible.

After the storm:

• Stay away from downed power lines and report potential hazards.
• Document any damage.
• If possible, clear heavy ice and snow (hire a professional if needed).
• Watch for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, dizziness, nausea) and seek help if needed.

Montreal stormwatch

• Environment Canada weather alerts - Montreal area
• Hydro-Quebec outages by region
• STM bus line status
• Metro service updates
• Montreal-Trudeau Airport Departures | Arrivals
• Exo commuter train status
• VIA Rail train status