Snowfall warning issued for Montreal with up to 20 cm expected

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says anearly 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, sayingtotal snowfall accumulations of 15 to 20 centimetres are expected starting Wednesday evening and last into Thursday evening.

The storm will start with rainand change to snow overnight.

MeteorologistMichleFleurysays the majority of the snow will have fallen byThursdaymorning.

"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, addingthere may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.

Other areas, including the Eastern Townships, Charlevoix and part of Gaspsie,areexpected 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.