The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, which merged with another low pressure system over the Great Lakes, began to reach southern Quebec Friday morning. Due to the “significant amounts” of rain already received, Environment Canada has revised its forecast upwards.
As of 6 a.m. Friday morning, Montreal had already received 31 millimetres of rain, according to measurements taken in Dorval. Sainte-Clotilde, in Montérégie, had received 43 millimetres of rain, while 39 millimetres of rain had fallen in the village of L’Acadie, which is part of the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, also in Montérégie.
In its rain warnings updated Friday morning, Environment Canada said many areas of southern Quebec should expect to receive 50 to 100 millimetres of rain by the end of the day. In some places, rainfall amounts could even reach 140 millimetres in a localized manner.
“Heavy rains can cause flash flooding and water accumulation on roads. Localized flooding is possible in low-lying areas,” the federal agency noted, urging people to avoid driving on flooded roads.
The regions most likely to receive up to 100 millimetres of rain are located north of the St. Lawrence River. We are therefore talking about the Outaouais, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie and the north of the Quebec region, including Charlevoix.
In the south of the province, the rain that began in the morning is expected to intensify by the end of the day. Several events planned for the evening outdoors have already been cancelled, postponed or moved indoors due to the expected weather conditions.
Road obstructions
On the road network, water accumulations forced the closure of certain sections of highway, including Highway 40 at Côte-Vertu Boulevard and Highway 19 between Henri-Bourassa and Gouin Boulevards. Road exits were also reported in certain locations.
“We are aware of the situation and are in constant contact with various partners, including the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, regarding developments in road conditions,” said the Sûreté du Québec (SQ).
The police did not report any major collisions, but asked motorists to postpone their journeys if possible.
“However, if you have to drive on the road network, we suggest that you adapt your driving and speed according to the weather conditions encountered. We also recommend that you turn on your headlights and parking lights to be more visible to other road users,” the SQ stressed.
The premises of the homeless assistance organization Résilience Montréal were also flooded. Its founder, Nakuset, turned to social media to ask the population for help.
“If you can come help us, please do,” she wrote on the X platform, recalling that Resilience serves up to 1,000 meals a day and that the homeless community depends on its services. The organization is located at the corner of Atwater and Sainte-Catherine streets.
Hydro-Québec reported around 8 a.m. that approximately 5,000 of its customers were without power. The outages were concentrated in Montérégie, Lanaudière and Montreal.
Elsewhere in the country, Ottawa is expected to receive 50 to 75 millimetres of rain, while 30 millimetres of rain are expected in Toronto.
The remnants of Debby are expected to reach New Brunswick Friday evening and dump up to 40 millimetres of rain through Saturday morning.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Friday morning that Debby was now a post-tropical cyclone. The storm made its first landfall Monday in Florida with Category 1 strength before continuing northward.
At least seven people have died in the United States in connection with Hurricane Debby.