Cleanup has only just begun, as Quebec digs out from back-to-back storms

Quebec is still struggling to recover from record-breaking back-to-back storms, with schools and roads in some parts of the province closed.

Schools in Montreal are open despite the abundance of snow and many sidewalks not being cleared.

Montreal city spokesperson Philippe Sabourin said Tuesday he expects the snow-clearing operation will take more than the originally planned eight days. He said he expects crews will be able to accomplish 10 per cent of the snow removal per day over the coming days.

"If people can work from home, or take public transit, that's going to help, for sure," he said. Sabourin said there's so much snow that the blower needs to pass twice, or even three times, to remove a pile of snow.

As a result of the snow pileup, garbage and recycling collection has been put on hold for the week. Half the city's sidewalks still haven't been cleared and now won't be until snow-removal operations are underway, Sabourin said.

He urged people to work from home if possible. He also asked parents to accompany their kids to school to make sure they get there safely, and for everyone to check on neighbours if they have reduced mobility.

The first storm hit the province on Thursday morning and forced school closures and flight cancellations. Another even larger storm struck Montreal on Sunday, leaving more than 40 centimetres of snow.

School officials urge caution

Mike Cohen, spokesperson for the English Montreal School Board, said the school board met with French service centres on the island and decided to reopen classrooms Tuesday. 

"Even though there's a lot of snow on the ground, a lot of difficult conditions, it made sense to reopen because these conditions are not going to change over the next several days and we can't keep kids home from school that long," he said. 

Cohen asked drivers to be careful on the roads and parents to be patient.

"The conditions are very difficult out there so buses are going to be late picking the kids up and bringing them home," he said.

WATCH | Montreal parents, students climb their way back to school:

Montreal parents, students climb piles of snow on way back to school

2 days ago

Duration 1:44

It was back to school for students in Montreal, but getting around was not easy.

Parts of Gaspé highway closed

The storm hit the eastern part of the province particularly hard. Portions of Highway 132 were closed along the Lower St. Lawrence from Rivière-du-Loup to Matane, and closed in a large section of the Gaspé from Bonaventure to Gascon-Est.

Transport Minister François Bonnardel said on social media that the closures left people stuck on the roads, and that local officials and police had worked with drivers to make sure they had a place to stay.

Municipalities and Quebec's Transport Ministry have been working to clear the roads, but those operations could take several days. 

Across the province, closed school boards and service centres include: 

• New Frontiers School Board.
• Riverside School Board.
• Centre de services scolaire des Grandes-Seigneuries.
• Centre de services scolaire Marie-Victorin.

WATCH | Home covered in heavy snow? Here's what you should watch out for:

Home covered in heavy snow? Here's what you should watch out for

3 days ago

Duration 1:54

When massive winter storms hit, your house may be under a lot of pressure. Experts advise paying particular attention to your roof, balcony and areas around vents and doorways.