Thunderstorm knocks out power, disrupts flights in Montreal
Posted July 13, 2025 7:02 pm.
Last Updated July 14, 2025 10:45 am.
A severe thunderstorm struck Montreal on Sunday, causing widespread power outages, flash flooding, and significant disruptions at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport.
Weather warning and storm conditions
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Montreal area shortly before 3:30 p.m., citing atmospheric conditions favorable for dangerous thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts, large hail, heavy rain, and even a slight risk of tornadoes.
In addition to the storm, a heat warning remained in effect throughout the day, with temperatures reaching 30 °C and humidex values nearing 40. ECCC encouraged residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and seek air-conditioned spaces.
Monster storm in Montreal rn #QCstorm pic.twitter.com/YAfLavlccz
— Randy (@RandySiscoe) July 13, 2025
Widespread power outages across Quebec
At the height of the storm, Hydro-Québec reported nearly 100,000 customers without electricity across the province. By early evening, the utility’s website indicated that 36,726 addresses remained without power, including:
- Over 13,000 in Montreal
- Over 5,000 in Montérégie
- Over 5,000 in Lanaudière
- Over 4,600 in the Laurentians
Public Security Minister François Bonnardel stated via X (formerly Twitter) that his teams were in contact with affected municipalities in the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Montérégie, Laval, and Montreal regions. He added that the Government Operations Centre remained on alert as the thunderstorms were expected to continue into the evening. He also emphasized that authorities were coordinating with Transports Québec, Hydro-Québec, and local municipalities, and urged citizens to exercise caution when traveling.
About 4,700 homes were without power across Quebec on Monday morning.
Flooding hits Montreal neighbourhoods
Montreal police received multiple 911 calls reporting flooded streets and vehicles stranded in water. No serious injuries were reported.
Some areas recorded between 70 and 80 millimeters of rain in a short span, leading to flash flooding in several neighbourhoods, including St-Leonard, where basements on Belmont Street were flooded with up to a meter of water.
Videos shared on social media showed flooded roads, submerged vehicles, and water pooling along Highway 40 near Côte-Vertu.
Airport disruptions at Montréal–Trudeau
The storm also disrupted air travel at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), which advised passengers via its official X account to check their flight schedule before heading to the airport due to weather-related delays.
⛈️⛈️⛈️ pic.twitter.com/f8BiyN5qyA
— YUL Aéroport international Montréal-Trudeau (@yulaeroport) July 13, 2025
@theoriginalrooster What a joke!! #montreal #airport #embarrassing #worldclass #fyp ♬ Singing in the Rain - Brian Evans
“The thunderstorms and weather conditions affecting the metropolitan area are impacting flight schedules, ground operations, and baggage delivery,” the airport explained on its X account. “Passengers with a scheduled flight departing from YUL are encouraged to check their flight schedule before heading to the airport.”
Due to the weather conditions, the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) announced on its website that it had to modify the programming for its final evening of festivities.
“Due to the weather conditions, the FEQ’s final evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. at all sites,” the FEQ wrote on its Facebook page. We continue to monitor the evolving situation and will keep you informed on our various platforms. Let’s hope Mother Nature is on our side!”
Environment Canada is encouraging the public to monitor weather alerts and report severe conditions using the hashtag #QCStorm or via email at QCstorm@ec.gc.ca.
