A storm system over Quebec on Saturday has led to flooding on the island of Montreal, making getting around hazardous in some areas.
Montreal police spokesperson Joany Charland said several units were dispatched to the borough of Pierrefonds, in the West Island, to assist local officials.
Several streets have been cordoned off and officers are on site to ensure no one is stuck in flood waters and in need of assistance.
Charland said motorists should avoid Pierrefonds Boulevard and surrounding areas, but the situation is in flux.
Transports Quebec for its part is warning that exits 52 and 55 on Highway 40, in the West Island are closed due to flooding.
An Urgences-Santé spokesperson said a few residents were evaluated for symptoms of hypothermia, but none had been transported to the hospital as of 8:20 p.m..
The City of Montreal website says several municipal buildings in Pierrefonds are closed Saturday due to flooding and will remain closed on Sunday to allow for cleaning operations.
Preserving your device data? Read the latest text-only on CBC Lite
The affected buildings include the library, cultural centre, the Marcel Morin community centre and the Versailles pool.
Several homeowners also reported flooded basements and power outages.
According to Hydro-Québec, more than 18,000 clients on the island of Montreal were without power as of 7 p.m..
Heavy rains flood homes and streets in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on Montreal’s West Island
Natasha Krauza, who lives in Dollard-des-Ormeaux — an on-island suburb — told CBC, she is stranded in her home.
Krauza, said she watched the rain come down and could see the water level rising on the street in front of her house before she went to check her basement.
“I’m in about three feet of water,” she said, adding her backyard has turned into a swimming pool.
“I can’t get out of my home.”
After flooding in 2024, Krauza said she installed a sump pump and thought she’d done everything right.
“We did everything we were supposed to and now this time is worse than the last time,” she said.
City officials in Dollard-des-Ormeaux said in a Facebook post that teams have been mobilized to to monitor the situation, respond to calls, and assist residents in the most affected areas.
To avoid the risk of basement flooding the city said people should limit their use of water until further notice. Those who already have water in their homes are being asked to shut off the power if safe to do so.
The weather system is also affecting Montreal’s Trudeau airport.
In a publication on X, airport officials said thunderstorms and severe weather conditions in the metropolitan area were impacting flight schedules, ground operations and baggage delivery.
“Passengers with flights scheduled to depart from YUL are advised to check their flight schedule before heading to the airport,” the post reads.
Some municipalities in the Montérégie are also reporting flooding, including Saint-Constant and Saint-Mathieu.
The latter has opened a shelter at the Saint-Mathieu community centre for residents who might need a place to stay including overnight. Residents can bring personal belongings and sleeping bags if needed.
Several parts of the province remained under severe thunderstorm watches or warnings Saturday evening, as per Environment and Climate Change Canada.
