Montreal and Quebec School Closures and Power Outages: 2026 Ice Storm Trend Summary

TL;DR

• Major school boards including EMSB and LBPSB are closed today due to ice.
• Over 45,000 addresses initially lost power, with figures climbing into the hundreds of thousands.
• Dozens of flights at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport have been cancelled.
• Freezing rain and snow have created extremely hazardous road conditions across Montreal and Ottawa.

What Happened

A massive winter storm swept through Ontario and Quebec on Wednesday, March 11, and into Thursday, March 12, 2026, bringing a mix of snow and prolonged freezing rain. The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) and the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) announced full closures of all schools, adult education centers, and administrative offices. This decision followed extreme weather warnings that predicted significant ice accumulation on trees and power lines.

In Ottawa, school bus transportation was cancelled for the day, although many schools remained open for students who could arrive safely. By Thursday morning, Hydro-Québec reported that hundreds of thousands of customers were without electricity as ice-laden branches snapped, damaging the power grid.

Key Developments

Transportation hubs have faced severe disruptions, with airlines cancelling dozens of flights at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) and Ottawa International Airport. Local transit authorities reported delays on several bus routes due to icy patches and flooding in lower-lying areas. In Southern Ontario, particularly Toronto, heavy rainfall accompanying the system led to localized flooding on major roadways before the temperature dropped.

To stay updated on the status of specific institutions, residents can check the official EMSB website or the Lester B. Pearson School Board portal for real-time announcements. Parents are advised to monitor these official channels for updates regarding school reopenings on Friday.

The weight of the ice on the lines is the primary cause of these outages, and our teams are working around the clock to restore service as quickly as safely possible.

Why This Matters

The closures affect over 100,000 students across the Montreal area, disrupting mid-term schedules and administrative operations. Beyond education, the storm has impacted the regional economy through mass power outages and travel cancellations. The accumulation of ice is particularly concerning for the stability of the electrical grid, as the province faces its most significant freezing rain event of the 2026 winter season.

What Happens Next

Hydro-Québec crews will continue restoration efforts throughout Thursday and Friday, prioritizing hospitals and emergency services. School boards are expected to make a determination regarding Friday, March 13, operations by 6:00 AM tomorrow morning. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status before heading to the airport as the backlog of cancelled flights may cause delays through the weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are EMSB schools closed today?

Yes, the English Montreal School Board has confirmed that all schools, centers, and offices are closed on March 12, 2026, due to the ice storm. This includes daycare services and administrative buildings.

Why were school buses cancelled in Ottawa?

School bus transportation was cancelled in Ottawa on Thursday because of hazardous road conditions caused by freezing rain and snow. While buses are not running, most schools in the Ottawa area remain open for students.

How many people are without power in Quebec?

Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of Quebec addresses are currently without power. Initial figures started at 45,000 and surged as the ice storm progressed through the Montreal region.

Are flights cancelled at Montreal-Trudeau Airport?

Yes, dozens of flights have been cancelled or delayed at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport on March 12. Passengers should verify their flight status online before departing for the airport.