The first winter storm of the season blew into Quebec on Wednesday, bringing heavy snow whipped up by 40 km/h winds.
It's part of a huge weather system that's covering much of the U.S. and Canada.
By Wednesday evening, Montreal and surrounding areas were blanketed with about 20 centimetres of snow.
Despite the snowfall, the evening rush hour unfolded relatively smoothly.
On standby near the Jacques Cartier bridge at 6:00 p.m., CTV Montreal reporter Annie DeMelt described traffic as much lighter than expected.
DeMelt said it appeared Montrealers listened to the city's advice to leave their cars at home and use public transit.
Dealing with it
Most of the people out in the snow say they knew it was coming and even welcomed it.
"I think it's fun," said one woman. "I think if you're going to live in Montreal, you really have to just deal with the weather and learn to enjoy it."
For many, part of dealing with the weather was heading to the garage to have their winter tires changed.
Donna Clarke, who waited at a garage for six hours, said the wait was worth it.
"At least I'll be safe on the road."
Snow removal
The city says 1000 pieces of equipment are out clearing and salting the streets, and that it will take until the weekend to get rid of all the snow.
"For an average snow storm of 20 centimeters...it takes about four days," said Yves Girard, a spokesperson for the city of Montreal.
Transport
As many as 50 flights were cancelled or delayed at Trudeau Airport on Wednesday morning.
But by the afternoon, the vast majority of flights were arriving and departing on schedule.
Greyhound bus lines were also running smoothly, as were VIA Rail trains and commuter trains.
City buses were also running on schedule, the STM said.
