Parts of southern and western Quebec could experience heavy rain and flooding on Tuesday as Environment Canada issued a severe storm watch for several regions.
Posted at 2:32 p.m.
Updated at 4:02 p.m.
On Tuesday, around 2:20 p.m., the targeted regions included Hautaua, Abitibi-Témiscaming, Greater Montreal, Estrie, Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec.
Severe storms began appearing in Hautaua during the middle of the day, while Montreal is expected to see them in the late or early evening.
Between 40 and 60 mm of rain is expected, said Kate Leclerc, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. It is unclear which industries will be hit the hardest.
“If, unfortunately, we had 40-60mm in the more vulnerable sector, we could see flooding,” says M.to me Leclerc. According to her, the possible consequences of this meteorological phenomenon will be very local.
In its watch for severe thunderstorms, Environment Canada predicts a “moderate” level of impact but warns that tornadoes may occur.
“Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft coverings may occur,” it also clarifies. At this time, gusts of up to 50 km/h are expected in several areas affected by this severe thunderstorm. Heavy rain can also cause flooding and reduce visibility.
Just before 4 p.m., more than 25,000 homes were without power, including nearly 18,000 in Montérégie.
In Ontario, where storms developed before reaching Quebec, Environment Canada received reports of small hailstones and “water accumulations,” especially in parking lots.