Montreal and neighboring areas are under close monitoring for potential flooding this weekend, with the city initiating its Special Flood Response Plan on Friday to ensure readiness for anticipated rainfall. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada emphasized the priority of ensuring the safety of residents and activating the emergency response plan as a precautionary measure to enable swift action if needed.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement early Friday, warning of expected showers over southern Quebec from Saturday to Sunday, potentially exacerbating already elevated water levels in certain regions. Richard Liebmann, chief of Montreal’s fire department and emergency measures coordinator, highlighted the importance of monitoring upstream weather conditions despite the current sunny weather.
According to Simon Legault, a meteorologist with ECCC, Montreal is forecasted to receive approximately 15 millimeters of rain over the weekend, with higher amounts expected in the Outaouais, Laurentians, and Lanaudière regions. Municipalities to the west of Montreal are actively monitoring water levels, with Vaudreuil-Dorion transitioning from a green watch alert to a yellow alert as a precaution. The city anticipates lower flood levels compared to previous years.
In Île-Perrot, officials are closely monitoring water levels and reassuring riverfront residents. Rigaud is cautioning residents about rising water levels in the Ottawa River, with preventive measures in place including the distribution of sand and installation of wave barriers. Flood prevention efforts commenced in Montreal’s Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough in mid-March, with preparations including the installation of sandbags and modular dikes.
Laval is also monitoring water levels on the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière des Mille Îles, with a dike installation on Riviera Street to safeguard vulnerable areas. Rawdon remains in surveillance mode following recent flooding that temporarily closed a street, with Mayor Raymond Rougeau expressing cautious optimism about the current situation.
Overall, municipalities in Quebec are actively preparing for potential flooding, with a focus on proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable areas.