Municipalities in Quebec are getting ready for potential flooding, with Montreal elevating to the third and highest level of alert for flood-related emergency measures. Richard Liebmann, the chief of Montreal’s fire department and the coordinator for emergency measures, disclosed this information during a press briefing on Thursday.
Liebmann mentioned that a coordination center will be operational round-the-clock starting on Friday morning to oversee the implemented measures. An estimated 25 millimeters of rainfall is anticipated by Friday. He reassured that response teams have been actively engaged in preparations for several days already.
As of now, there have been no reports of flooding in Montreal. Workers in Montreal’s Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough have been moving sandbags to Château Pierrefonds Avenue in readiness to construct modular dikes within the next 24 hours. Mayor Jim Beis highlighted western Pierrefonds as a vulnerable area, attributing residents’ concerns to climate change, making them anxious about safeguarding their neighborhoods.
Jean Brazeau, the regional director for the Laurentians and Lanaudière regions at Quebec’s Public Security Ministry, predicted rising water levels in almost all rivers in the Montreal vicinity, including the Rivière des Prairies and Lac des Deux Montagnes.
In Laval, a few streets in Fabreville and Laval West have experienced minor flooding, as reported by Brazeau. The necessary measures for Laval’s public safety have been promptly addressed.
Mayor Mathieu Traversy in Terrebonne stated that the city is well-prepared for potential flooding risks. Additional inspectors have been deployed to monitor the escalating water levels closely.
Some residents have already been evacuated from their homes due to flooding concerns. Brazeau mentioned that as of Thursday afternoon, around 13 residents in Mont-Tremblant have been impacted, with some evacuations already carried out. The numbers are expected to rise in the coming days.
Saint-Jérôme has closed the Viau Bridge over the rushing Rivière du Nord as a precautionary measure due to the high water flow rate, effective since Wednesday evening. A detour plan has been established for residents’ convenience.
Rigaud, situated about 60 kilometers west of Montreal, issued alerts to residents regarding high water levels along the Ottawa River. The city warned of potential flooding comparable to the 2023 scenario, urging residents to stay vigilant.
The current conditions are a result of heavier snowfall in the northern Laurentians and an early winter leading to rising water levels as the snow melts. Mild temperatures and rainfall are exacerbating the situation, prompting officials to urge caution. Brazeau emphasized the importance of residents staying informed through their municipalities’ social media and websites.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated through their local municipality’s communication channels for further guidance.