The municipality of Maria in Gaspésie declared a state of emergency on Saturday due to weather conditions, including strong winds and high tides, which could cause coastal flooding in its territory.
• Also read: Coastal flooding is expected in Gaspésie
• Also read: Winter storm: State of emergency lifted in Maria in Baie-des-Chaleurs
This is the second time this week that a state of emergency has been declared in this town on the edge of Baie-des-Chaleurs due to winter storms.
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“These events are essentially related to episodes of strong astronomical tides that occur approximately every two weeks, i.e. during the new moon and full moon,” the municipal administration said in a letter to its residents on January 12th.
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“We are primarily monitoring floods that are forecast by Environment Canada to reach 8 feet (2.3 m) and higher. “At this level and without wind, such a tide will only minimally flood Rue des Tournepierres,” we continue.
Saturday's 4 p.m. tide was estimated by the Canadian Hydrographic Service at 2.7 meters, while two additional tides exceeding 2.4 meters are forecast for Sunday.
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The strong winds caused by the winter storm in Quebec make the threat of flooding in Maria even greater.
A particularly problematic area of the city was evacuated in the early afternoon in anticipation of flooding at 4 p.m.
The sewer network was also closed in flood-prone areas of the city.
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There is a reception center available for affected residents who can register there.
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The affected citizens are also offered food and accommodation.