What damage did the 1998 ice storm cause in Montreal?

The 1998 ice storm was a severe weather event that significantly impacted Montreal and the surrounding region. While the storm affected a broad area across southeastern Canada and New England, causing approximately 40 deaths and over $4 billion in damages across the region, its specific effects on Montreal were profound.12

In Montreal, the storm resulted in the following damage and disruptions:

• Infrastructure: The accumulation of ice caused major damage to hydroelectric transmission lines, leading to widespread power outages.3
• Transportation: The icy conditions made travel on roads impossible, effectively paralyzing the city.3
• Environment: The heavy weight of the ice caused significant damage to trees throughout the area.3
• Human Impact: The event took a number of lives in the region.3

The storm is remembered as a major hazard for the city, highlighting the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to freezing rain, which is a known climatic risk for the Montreal region.3