Current Situation
Large-scale power outages are currently impacting several regions across Quebec, with up to 61,000 customers affected. The outages have been particularly severe, with 60,206 addresses reported without power as of 5:45 p.m. on March 11, 2026.
Regional Breakdown
The Lanaudière region has been hit hardest, with 29,976 addresses without power. In the Quebec City area, 9,825 addresses are affected, while the Outauouais region has seen outages touching 12,599 addresses. Montreal is also experiencing disruptions, with 1,215 customers without power, and the Laurentians region has 2,310 addresses impacted.
Weather Conditions
This widespread outage coincides with an orange alert for freezing rain issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The forecast predicts 20-30 millimeters of freezing rain, which has contributed to the power failures.
Travel Advisory
Authorities are advising against non-essential travel as conditions worsen due to the freezing rain. This weather event has not only caused power outages but also poses risks to road safety.
Future Implications
Looking ahead, 337 properties in East Abbotsford are scheduled to be without power on March 17, indicating that the effects of this weather system may continue to disrupt electricity supply in the coming days.
Expert Perspective
Experts emphasize the importance of preparedness during such weather events, highlighting that freezing rain can lead to significant infrastructure challenges, including downed power lines and increased demand on electrical grids.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the timeline for restoration of power across the affected regions.