Massive Power Outages Force School Closures Across Quebec Amid Violent Weather
A powerful wave of extreme weather is disrupting daily life across parts of Quebec, forcing schools to shut down and leaving thousands of homes without electricity, as strong winds and dangerous road conditions sweep through the region.
In Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, conditions deteriorated rapidly overnight. Heavy rain, shifting into snow in some areas, combined with strong wind gusts reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour, created hazardous travel conditions. Roads became slippery and in many places were not properly sanded, making school transportation too risky to operate. As a result, authorities made the decision to suspend classes across multiple school networks. However, childcare services remain open, offering some relief for working families.
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At the same time, widespread power outages added to the disruption. At the peak of the crisis, more than 1,400 households in the region were left in the dark. Areas like Labrecque, Dolbeau-Mistassini and Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc were among the hardest hit. Utility crews have been working to restore electricity, but strong winds have slowed down operations and restoration times have been pushed back in several areas.
And this is not an isolated situation. Across the province, more than 125,000 customers experienced power outages at one point, with major urban and regional areas also affected. The combination of wind, precipitation and fluctuating temperatures has created what experts are calling a volatile weather system, one that continues to evolve through the day.
The impact goes beyond inconvenience. School closures disrupt families and education, while power outages affect heating, communication and essential services. In regions already dealing with harsh winter conditions, even a few hours without electricity can become a serious concern.
Weather authorities are warning that conditions may remain unstable, with continued risks of gusts, reduced visibility and sudden changes in precipitation. That means the situation could shift quickly and further disruptions are possible.
This developing story is a reminder of how vulnerable infrastructure and daily routines can be when extreme weather hits with full force. Stay with us for the latest updates as crews work to restore power and officials monitor conditions across the region.
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