Cold snap brings warning of icy roads across Quebec

As the extreme cold drags on, the frigid weather conditions are creating havoc on Quebec roads.

Valrie Tremblay, a spokesperson for Urgences-sant, saiddrivers have to pay extra attention during the cold spell.

"It's very slippery in the morning and in the evening,when the sun comes down," said Tremblay.

"There's black ice on the road and the population has to slow down and keep their distance from other cars."

• Quebec firefighters work in frigid conditions, warn safety first during cold snap

There were several collisions in the greater Montreal area Saturday morning which led to closures, including one on Highway 40 West which has since reopened.

Some roads were also closed earlier Saturday to allow Transports Qubec crews to apply abrasives.

Environment Canada says thecold snap, which affects a large swath of southern Quebec, is expected to last until next Wednesday.

The weather agency warns that thecold arctic air and harsh winds could make it feel as cold as -36 Saturday night in Montreal.

Record numbers for CAA

CAA-Qubec says it has serviced a record number of motorists during the ongoing deep freeze.

Over the past three days, it has helped nearly 30,000 clients.

The roadside assistance provider says that the majority of drivers requesting help needed a boost because their vehicle's batteries were dying in the cold.

CAA says it is prepared for the deep chill and has 1,150 vehicles on the road to provide services. It also has more staff on standby to help stranded drivers.

Environment Canada is also asking motorists to keep extra blankets and jumper cables in the car.

• Montreal's current deep freeze is nothing compared to the brutal stretch of 1970

Nez Rouge asks for patience

Opration Nez Rouge is also bracing for its services to be affected by the cold.

The free volunteer service, which offers rides home to people who'vehadtoo much to drink, is asking for users to be patient.

New Year's Eve is one of Nez Rouge's busiest nights of the year, and rides could take even longer due to the poor driving conditions.

"We obviously have to let the car warm up before leaving the starting point," said David Latouche, director of communications. "And we have to adapt our driving."

The serviceis also looking for extra drivers, he added.

"If you want us to be in the position to offer a drive-home service that is efficient, we need people to volunteer," said Latouche.

The service has provided 40,000 rides acrossprovince this holiday season.

• Meet the Louisiana grandmother Quebecers keep drunk dialing, hoping for a ride