Snow-removal operations in Montreal expected to be done Sunday

The City of Montreal has started its snow-removal operationsin most boroughs, a day after the first major snowfall of the year.

More than 3,000 city employees have been working to clear the roads and sidewalks and spread abrasives since the snow began late Monday night.

Almost 2,200 vehicles hit the streets Wednesday evening to start to remove the snow.

City spokesperson PhilippeSabourinsaid safety is a priority for the snow-removal operation.

"By Sunday it's going to be done, smaller streets by Monday," he said.

The city's priority is to remove snow near hospitals, major arteries and access points for public transit.

The operation may start Thursday in some boroughs, according to Jean-Franois Parenteau, the executive committee member who oversees all things snow-related.

The city is reminding people to be mindful of the parking restrictions and be careful around the machinery.

By 10 a.m. Tuesday,Montreal had received more than 20 centimetres of snow.

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The issue today will be the wind wind gusts of up to 60 km/h are expected at times today. Some roads and highways in and around the city are still snow-covered and slippery.

The city is suggestingthat drivers download or update theirInfo-Neigeapp so they know to move their cars when snow-removal crews pass by.

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Meanwhile, a winter storm warning is still in effect for parts of central and eastern Quebec until Thursday.

Quebec Cityhas beenslammed by at least 30 centimetres of snow.Environment Canada warns that roads may be difficult to navigateand visibility will be reduced because of blowing snow due to high winds.

Slipping, sliding buses

Part of Cte-des-Neiges Road was closed for a time Tuesday afternoon after a number of STM buses got stuck on the hill near the Montreal General Hospital Tuesday.

Conditions were too slippery for some of the articulated buses to make up the road. One even hit a pole.

Cte-des-Neigeshad been salted at least once, he said, butthe snowfall started to intensify right in the middle of morning rush hour, which complicated the operation.

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The city will be taking "close look" at the situation, Sabourin said.