More than 20 cars and trucks involved in 2 accidents on TransCanada near Quebec City

Highway 20 eastbound southwest of Quebec City has reopened after two accidents involving more than 20 vehicles forced its closure for hours earlier Tuesday.

Provincial police say about 10 people have minor injuries following the accidents on the TransCanada.

The first series of collisions,near Saint-Apollinaire, involvingfive trucks and 10 cars,happened at about 1:30 p.m. That section of highwaywas reopened around 5 p.m.

Thirty minutes later and 10 kilometres west of the first pileup, sevencars collided in asecond accident.

Residents in Quebec City are in the midst ofa powerful winter storm that could bring up to 50 centimetres by the time it's over.

Quebec City will be one of the worsthit areas across the province, according to Environment Canada.

"Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow," a warning issued by the weather agency said.

There is also a warning for the Charlevoixarea, with the same amount of snow expected.

"Also, strong to high easterly winds will cause widespread blowing snow," the warning said.

The Eastern Townships will be affected by a storm passing over the Great Lakes and the effects are expected to last until Thursday.

Between 15 and 25 centimetres will fall over the area Wednesday evening.