Hey everyone, let’s talk about the weather today—specifically, the intense rainfall that’s currently impacting Montreal and much of southern Quebec.
So, here’s the situation: We’re dealing with the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, which has swept across Quebec and Ontario. The storm, which made landfall earlier this week, is now transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone. But don't let the downgrade fool you; it's still bringing a substantial amount of rain with it.
As of today, Montreal is bracing for an impressive 60 to 80 millimeters of rain. To put that into perspective, August usually sees about 94 millimeters of precipitation, so we're looking at more than half of the month's average rainfall in just one day. This downpour began late Thursday evening and is expected to continue into the night and possibly into Saturday morning.
The heavy rains have already started causing significant disruptions. Roads in Montreal, especially along Highway 15 North and around Highway 40, are seeing notable water accumulation. This is creating hazardous driving conditions and has led to multiple road closures. The Sûreté du Québec has reported major obstructions on the highway network around Montreal. Fortunately, there haven’t been any reported collisions yet, but it’s definitely a good idea to avoid unnecessary travel if you can.
For those of you who had plans for outdoor events, you might be out of luck. The ComediHa! Fest-Québec has had to cancel its outdoor shows, and the International des Montgolfières in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has pushed its opening day to Monday. Even La Ronde amusement park is closing its doors temporarily. It’s a day for staying indoors if you can.
The City of Montreal is actively dealing with the aftermath of the storm. They’ve noted significant water accumulation under various viaducts and have mobilized teams to address the flooding. Officials are urging residents to stay safe and adjust their driving based on current weather conditions. If you do have to go out, make sure to turn on your headlights and drive cautiously to enhance visibility.
Environnement Canada has issued warnings for the storm’s progression, with rainfall totals expected to reach 80 to 120 millimeters in parts of southern Ontario and Quebec. This could potentially lead to minor landslides in some areas. The regions most likely to see up to 100 millimeters of rain include Outaouais, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, and northern Quebec, including Charlevoix.
As Debby makes its way northeast, it’s also anticipated to impact other parts of Canada. Ottawa is forecasted to receive between 50 and 75 millimeters of rain, while Toronto should expect about 30 millimeters. The storm is projected to reach New Brunswick by Friday evening, bringing another 40 millimeters of rain through Saturday morning.
It’s worth noting that Debby initially made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane. After its journey up the eastern seaboard, it has now weakened but continues to deliver heavy rains and potentially severe weather conditions across the northeastern part of North America.
Overall, this storm is a vivid reminder of how quickly weather conditions can change and how important it is to stay informed and prepared. Keep an eye on local updates, stay safe, and be cautious if you’re out and about.
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