Heavy rainfall raises fears of flooding in many parts of Quebec
Posted May 1, 2023 10:05 am.
MONTREAL – Many rivers and lakes in several regions of Quebec remain under special surveillance by Public Security on Monday morning, as weather forecasts predict rainfall for several days in most regions.
Sunday night, one sizeable flood was observed at Quesnel Bay on the Ottawa River in Rigaud, in the Montérégie region.
A dozen minor floods were reported, and in almost all cases, Public Safety indicated that water levels were rising. This was the case on some of the shores of Lake Deux-Montagnes in the Montreal area and Lake Maskinongé in the Mauricie region, as well as near the Petite Nation and Ottawa rivers, the Rivière des Prairies and on the shores of the Rivière Noire and the Ouareau River.
A few other lakes and rivers were also being monitored.
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Rainfall warnings issued by Environment Canada for the beginning of the week remain in effect Monday morning in several regions: Outaouais, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Montérégie, Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec, Capitale-Nationale and Charlevoix.
Some 53,000 Hydro Quebec customers were out of power early Monday morning because of the heavy rain and wind, with the majority in the Laurentians and the Mauricie regions.
The Ottawa River Planning and Regulation Board predicted Sunday that water levels could rise above the peak levels observed last week along the Ottawa River due to additional runoff generated by rainfall.
The Commission was also forecasting minor flooding in flood-prone areas in the stretch from the Gatineau area to the Montreal area.
In Montreal, a rainfall remained in effect Monday morning. A total of 30 to 50 millimetres of rain is expected until Monday afternoon or evening.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible,” explained Environment Canada in a statement.
Showers are also in the forecast for the Montreal area on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The rain should stop by Thursday, the sun should be back Friday and stay for next weekend.
– With files from the Canadian Press
