Heightened concerns over flooding in Quebec alongside tornado risk

Southern and eastern Quebec will be bracing for an impactful end to the first weekend of the summer.

A low-pressure system will continue to bring significant rainfall to the Quebec Sunday, with widespread rainfall warnings and special weather statements in place. Some areas could see more than 100 mm through Monday, elevating the risk of flooding.

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In addition to the rainfall, conditions will be favourable for severe storms to develop with a risk of rotating storms in parts of the province.

Flash flooding and tornadoes in parts of Quebec can’t be ruled out.

Monitor the radar on Sunday for storms approaching your region. Have a way to get warnings the moment they’re issued, and have a plan in place to take shelter if severe thunderstorms threaten your location.

Severe storm, flood risk builds Sunday

The greatest risk for severe weather builds on Sunday as the centre of the low-pressure system moves into southern Quebec.

High instability, tropical moisture, and ample wind shear flowing over Metro Montreal and the Eastern Townships will allow thunderstorms to develop ahead of the system’s arrival through the mid- to late-afternoon hours.

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Torrential rainfall will lead to a risk for flash flooding, especially around Metro Montreal.

Widespread rainfall warnings are in effect across southern Quebec. Some areas may see 75-100 mm of rain by Sunday evening, with locally higher totals possible.

“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads,” Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said in its rainfall warning for Metro Montreal.

Ingredients are in place for the strongest storms to exceed severe limits.

One or two tornadoes are also possible, with the greatest risk likely unfolding in the Eastern Townships near the international border where rotating storms could develop.

As well, there is a likelihood of straight-line winds associated with the linear storms. Additionally, large hail is going to be a risk there.

Additional pulses of heavy rainfall are possible across southern Quebec on Monday as an upper-trough swings through, but by the evening time, we finally dry out.

There will be another risk of thunderstorms across the Montreal region and the Eastern Townships Monday due to some residual instability.

Remember, never try to drive across a flooded roadway. It’s impossible to tell how deep the water is until it’s too late. Sometimes the road is washed out beneath floodwaters. It takes a surprisingly small amount of moving water to lift up a vehicle and carry it away.

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Header image courtesy of Éric Trudel, taken in Contrecoeur, Quebec.

Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast across Quebec.