Environment Canada has issued tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for several regions in southern Quebec.
In the morning, tornado watches were issued for areas of Montreal, the south shore of the island, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Bois-Francs, Outaouais, the greater region of Quebec, Beauce, Saguenay, the Richelieu Valley, Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
The weather conditions are conducive to the formation of severe thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes. Across the border, a tornado made landfall Wednesday night near O’Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois.
In several other regions of southern and central Quebec, severe thunderstorm watches are in effect.
If a tornado is approaching your area, Environment Canada recommends going indoors, to the lowest level room, away from windows and exterior walls.
If you are “in a vehicle, mobile home, tent, trailer, or other temporary shelter,” sheltering in a sturdy building is recommended.
“As a last resort, lie down on the ground in a low place and protect your head from thrown objects,” reads the Environment Canada website.
Air quality
Along with tornado and severe thunderstorm watches, Environment Canada has issued special air quality bulletins for several regions of the province.
High concentrations of fine particles from forest fires will cause poor air quality and reduced visibility in the regions of Quebec, Saguenay, Lac-Saint-Jean, Beauce and certain places in Mauricie.