Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southern Quebec on Thursday, with the risk of “strong gusts, large hail and heavy rain” in anticipation of Thursday afternoon and evening.
The regions affected are Montreal, Laval, Montérégie, Outaouais, Estrie, Centre-du-Québec, Laurentides, Lanaudière and Mauricie.
“Remember that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes,” warns Environment Canada on its website.
Torrential rains can also cause flash flooding and water accumulation on roads. “Nautical activities could prove to be dangerous due to the violent and sudden gusts that blow over bodies of water,” adds the federal agency.