Montreal

Eastern Townships, Gaspé and central Quebec bracing for winter weather

The Eastern Townships, central Quebec, and the Gaspe are bracing for some heavy winter weather.

Environment Canada encourages drivers to put on their winter tires, if they haven't already

Parts of Quebec are bracing for the year's first snow storm (Emily Rose Bennett/The Associated Press)

The Eastern Townships, central Quebec, and the Gaspé are bracing for heavy winter weather.

Winter storm warnings come into effect for many regions in Quebec as of tonight.

Environment Canada is predicting between 15 centimetres and 25 centimetres of snow for the Townships, Quebec City, Lower North Shore and the Gaspé.

The city of Montreal won't be hit as hard, said a spokesman for Environment Canada.

"We're only looking at about 10 to 15 centimetres so, yes, it's going to be a good storm," said Environment Canada Spokesman Denis Thibodeau.

"It's going to be fairly windy but Montreal isn't going to be the hardest touched. People would want to have their winter tires on obviously, if they're not already done."

Thibodeau said the city could get some snow by mid-afternoon but the storm will be at its peak overnight.

That snow might also be mixed with freezing drizzle at times.

The wind will be a big issue in areas like Quebec City.

Thibodeau said people can expect some of that heavy weather during the morning rush hour in the capital and should adjust their schedules and driving habits accordingly.