MONTREAL - Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning for Montreal, with the worst of the storm starting around midnight and going until early Wednesday morning.

The morning rush hour commute is expected to be a difficult one.

"You can expect strong winds, 30-35 cm of snow, very low visibility and a bitter wind chill," explained Jessica Laventure, Global Montreal weather specialist.

This winter has been a cocktail of oscillating temperatures, from well above freezing to icy and bitterly cold.

It's been tough going for city crews over the last few days trying to keep the streets and sidewalks clear.

Monday, workers spread a 50-50 mix of road salt and gravel to break up the ice.