Snow removal begins in Montreal after most severe storm this winter

City crews have begun removing the 40 centimetres of snow that fell onto Montreal's streets overnight Tuesday.  

After the most severe storm this winter, the city is predicting its clearing operation will last at least a week.

As of 7 p.m. Wednesday, plows began clearing streets.

"We are ahead of schedule," city spokesperson Philippe Sabourin said Thursday morning, saying every borough has started loading snow.

Sabourin said it's important that citizens work together to make the road clearing as efficient as possible.

"Everyone needs to make an effort," he said. "Leave the car for a few days. Take public transit."

He said that rain in the forecast for Friday could complicate snow-removal operations.

The snow is covering ice patches and once it is removed, crews will break up the ice and spread abrasives until the spring thaw, he said.

It's the fourth snow removal operation this season and the city said 3,000 people are working to clear the roads.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante estimates the operation will cost $25 million.