Near-zero visibility leads to 50-vehicle pileup on Highway 10 near Magog

A major snowstormsweeping southern and central Quebec has reduced visibility and left roads snow-covered and treacherous.

Provincial police have confirmed oneperson is dead on Highway 55 nearSaint-Wenceslas, southeast ofTrois-Rivires, after a driver plowed directly into an overpass.

Highway 20 is closed in both directionsatSaint-Zotique, about 70 kilometres west of Montreal,after a pileup involving at least 10 vehicles.

Police report injuries, although the numberis not yet known.

• Drivers stranded, schools closed as Quebec slammed with record-setting blizzard
• CBC Montreal Storm Centre

Magog hospital issues code orange

In the Eastern Townships, the westbound lanes ofHighway 10 at Exit 121 nearMagogareclosedfollowing a pileup involving about 50 vehicles thatoccurred around 4 p.m.

The hospital in Magoghas issued a code orange warning, meaning staff will expect a large number of patients.

Hospital authorities are asking people who are not in imminent danger to avoid the emergency room and to call Info-Santinstead, at 811.

Timelapse of Highway 20 during Tuesday's storm

8 years ago

Duration 0:38

A CBC Montreal reporter took this video on Highway 20 while traffic was barely moving during a storm Tuesday.

Quebec's Ministry of Transportation says people should stay home if they can.

The ministry reminds motorists not to try to pass snowplows.

• For the latest weather and other information, go to Storm Centre Montreal