In the aftermath of a second snowstorm in just a few days, the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region is slowly recovering. Although snowfall has ceased in recent hours, wind gusts of up to 70 km per hour are causing blowing and drifting snow, making traffic on some roads more than difficult. 

In a post on social networks, the mayor of Rivière-Beaudette and prefect of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges MRC, Patrick Bousez, urges people to stay home if they can. 

“We've received nearly 80 centimetres in 4 days. With this morning's winds, the situation is a little better today than it was on Sunday, but many roads along the north-south axis in Vaudreuil-Soulanges remain difficult, even dangerous. Hats off to the snow ploughs, who are all doing a colossal job”, says the elected official between two surveillance walks on his municipal territory. 

According to his observations, Chemin Saint-André between Rivière-Beaudette and Saint-Télesphore is difficult to drive on due to blowing snow and strong winds. While driving along this road, Mr. Bousez filmed a video in an area where there was little snow, to give an idea of the prevailing winds.  

On route 325 (Des Sablières) towards Saint-Télesphore, visibility was nil and snow banks were over a metre high in places. The ploughs passed through, but with the wind, the road quickly became impassable. On route 340 towards Saint-Polycarpe, visibility varied from average to zero in places. 

Chemin Saint-Philippe towards Rivière-Beaudette has only one lane of traffic, making it difficult to pass. “In short, it's best to stay at home. In Rivière-Beaudette, traffic flows relatively well. Our area is more densely populated, and more wooded, so the wind has less hold,” he concludes. 

In Saint-Polycarpe, the municipal library will be closed exceptionally on Monday, February 17. In Sainte-Justine-de-Newton, the municipal administration confirmed the closure of route 325, towards Très-Saint-Rédempteur, from Montée de la Station and towards Saint-Télesphore, from 4th rang. A team of firefighters is on call at the fire station to be ready to act quickly, says the locality on its social networks.  

For its part, Environment Canada has issued a blowing snow advisory in effect until midnight. All municipalities along the St. Lawrence Valley are affected by this weather warning. 

To plan your travel, visit Québec 511.  

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