A snowplow clears snow on Route 222 near Valcourt, Que., on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

By The Canadian Press

Quebec’s Abitibi region buried by March storm forecast to bring up to 50 cm of snow

Mar 16, 2026 | 10:32 AM

MONTREAL — Schools are closed and many municipal services are suspended in Quebec’s Abitibi-Témiscamingue region because of a storm forecast to bring up to 50 centimetres of snow and freezing rain.

The city of Rouyn-Noranda, about 500 kilometres northwest of Montreal, said its offices are closed, garbage pickup is suspended and buses aren’t running because of the heavy snow.

Val d’Or has closed several municipal buildings, while schools and businesses across the area have also said they’re also shutting for the day.

Environment Canada meteorologist Julien Pellerin says some areas had already received about 30 cm of snow by noon.

He says some less-populated areas could get up to 50 cm, although the number is likely to be closer to 40 cm in cities and towns.

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The snow has switched to freezing rain in some areas, but will likely change back to snow later in the day.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2026.

The Canadian Press