Wind, blowing snow and snow-covered streets: the first winter storm hit Gaspésie hard. Coastal flooding forced the municipality of Maria to declare a state of emergency for 48 hours and lift it on Thursday morning.
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The city administration's decision was necessary due to rising water levels in several areas. The state of emergency is in effect for the next 48 hours and citizens could be evacuated and sheltered at the local community center…
However, the day had started well. : This morning the situation was under control. It was the rising tide earlier in the afternoon that complicated matters. At the height of events, the sea was raging and the damage multiplied.
Certain well-known sectors have been the target of defections. This is the case on Rue des Tournepierres and Rue des Mouettes. The citizens of these arteries saw the water rising rapidly. A recurring situation that angers the community's elected officials.
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“Maria is more affected. It is certain that there are houses that are close to the sea… very close to the water. We have favorable conditions, a meteorological cocktail. We have strong winds, an easterly wind. So the tide penetrates directly into the bay, here at the bottom of the bay,” explains Mayor Jean-Claude Landry.
Just a little further, the 132 was literally bombarded with water, stones and pieces of wood. Transport Ministry vehicles shuttled a few kilometers to avoid mechanical breakdowns for motorists who needed to use the area. These events give cause for concern…
Elsewhere in the area, not only were schools closed, but several businesses in Baie-des-Chaleurs were also furloughed. Good news because there was less traffic on the roads… and therefore fewer exits.
Additionally, the SQ has not reported any major accidents. We're only talking about a handful of road trips that only caused property damage. Speaking of the condition of the roads: Due to the weather, several inter-municipal transport authority routes in the region had to be closed.
The same applies to Orléans Express, which has stopped its daily shuttles between Rimouski and Gaspé.
In Sept-Îles on the north coast, Route 138 was still closed in certain sections.