Montreal has recorded almost 100 millimeters of rain since Friday evening and it continues to rain. Elsewhere in the province, accumulations reached more than 140 millimeters in size.
Updated yesterday at 5:17 p.m.
So far, the Quebec low pressure system is crossing an axis that runs from southwest Montérégie to Lanaudière. Right in the middle: the Montreal region, where significant amounts of water have already accumulated. On the south coast, the village of Calixa-Lavallée recorded 143 mm of rain.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
103 millimeters of rain fell in downtown Montreal in the evening. “It’s huge and it continues to sink,” emphasizes Environment Canada meteorologist Julien Chartrand.
Another 20 to 30 millimeters of water was expected in Montreal by Sunday. In total, the metropolis could have to absorb more than 100 millimeters of water. “That doesn’t happen often,” notes the meteorologist. Recall that for the entire month of September, only 27 millimeters of rain were recorded in the metropolis, which is well below normal.
The rest of the province was less affected
Other regions of the province have so far been less affected by water accumulation. So far, 10 to 25 millimeters of rain has fallen in Outaouais. In Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, in Montérégie, 55 millimeters were measured in the late afternoon. In Lanaudière between 80 and 100 millimeters.
The rainfall had little impact on the Estrie region. About twenty millimeters were observed in Trois-Rivières. Depending on the sector, between 20 and 60 millimeters of water fell in the Laurentians.
In Quebec and Charlevoix, the heaviest rainfall was expected to begin Saturday evening. In Charlevoix north of the St. Lawrence River, 80 to 100 millimeters of water could fall in places. In Quebec, rainfall is expected to be around 25 to 50 millimeters.
Towards the east of the province, i.e. in Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie, the amounts are also likely to be lower: 20 to 40 millimeters for Bas-Saint-Laurent and up to 40 millimeters in Gaspésie.
Merger with Sturm Philippe
This low pressure system, coming from the west, is expected to merge with the remnants of Tropical Storm Philippe coming from the Maritimes on Saturday. “It will lead to severe depression,” explains Julien Chartrand. The rain we expect near Quebec and Charlevoix is more likely to be associated with Philippe. »
Stronger winds may occur in some areas due to the tropical storm. In Quebec, gusts could reach 60 to 70 kilometers per hour on Sunday. The north coast and the Gaspé Peninsula will also be exposed to strong winds. A wind warning is also in effect for part of the north coast with gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour.
Beware of floods and landslides
Several streets in Montreal were affected by water accumulation on Saturday morning. In some cases, water overflowed onto sidewalks and the grounds of surrounding homes, La Presse observed. Several areas that frequently flooded during heavy rains were again under the fleet.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
The city of Montreal has indicated it is closely monitoring the situation. “At the moment the impact is low and all of our viaducts are open,” public relations officer Laurianne Tardif said by email. “Our teams are ready to intervene [au besoin]. »
“With these levels of rainfall, it is certain that impacts such as river flooding, water pooling on roads and landslides may occur, particularly in mountainous areas,” explains Mr Chartrand.
Residents of the Laurentians, Lanaudière and Charlevoix are asked to exercise caution near watercourses, particularly to avoid land subsidence.
La Ronde is closed on Saturday
The La Ronde amusement park announced that it would close its doors on Saturday as significant amounts of rain are expected in the metropolis. “We want to present our visitors with the extraordinary experience of our Pumpkin Festival and Fright Festival, which could not be offered in the forecast weather conditions,” the company announced on social media. Tickets purchased in advance for Saturday can be used “for another day in October 2023,” states La Ronde.