Cars were submerged in floodwaters and about 20,000 homes lost power in the West Island as thunderstorms swept across the Montreal region Saturday evening. One resident was even seen navigating a flooded street in a canoe.
An order for an emergency power shutdown, affecting customers mostly in the Dollard-des-Ormeaux area, began shortly before 6 p.m., according to Hydro-Québec. “The ongoing outage in Dollard-des-Ormeaux stems from an interruption requested by emergency services due to floods in the area. However, Hydro-Québec’s facilities are not affected.
“Service will be reinstated once emergency teams have given their green light, possibly during the evening,” it added.
Hydro-Québec said on its website power was expected to be restored by 10 p.m.
Online, residents shared photos and videos showing significant flooding near Pierrefonds Blvd., including vehicles partially submerged in water on flooded streets.
“Avoid Pierrefonds if you can,” one user wrote on Facebook.
One resident was seen paddling around in a canoe in the West Island on Saturday after storms caused streets to flood and homes to lose power. Photo by Florian Prat-Vincent
So far, no injuries had been reported as of Saturday evening, according to Montreal police. Officers closed sections of Pierrefonds Blvd., Anselme-Lavigne Ave., Fredmir St. and Jacques-Bizard Blvd., and urged residents to avoid the area.
Montreal-Trudeau airport warned travellers on social media to check the status of their flights as the storms disrupted operations. About 20 departing flights had been delayed and about 10 cancelled, according to the YUL website. Similar disruptions were reported for arriving flights.
Other parts of the Montreal region experienced significant flooding. On Montreal’s South Shore, St-Mathieu residents also reported streets submerged after successive storms moved through the area during the afternoon.
Two men cross a flooded street Saturday after storms hit the West Island.
In Dollard-des-Ormeaux, the city posted on Facebook the first incidents of flooding were reported around 3 p.m.
“Our teams have been mobilized in the field to monitor the situation, respond to calls and assist residents in the most affected areas,” the city said. “We understand the difficulties and concerns this situation may cause for those affected,” officials added. “Rest assured that we are closely monitoring the situation and that our employees are working tirelessly to respond wherever their presence is needed.”
The city urged residents to avoid walking or driving through flooded streets.
Also in a statement on Facebook, Dorval Mayor Marc Doret said municipal teams and public security officers were also responding to reports of flooding across the city.
“Due to the significant rainfall currently affecting the region, municipal teams are on the ground and are working to respond to the various situations reported across the territory,” Doret wrote.
He said some roads were being closed to prevent vehicles from causing sewer backups and urged residents to avoid flooded areas.
Doret also asked residents to limit water use where possible, including postponing the use of washing machines and dishwashers, and avoiding unnecessary toilet flushing.
The power loss came as thunderstorms developed across parts of the Montreal region on Saturday afternoon.
A turkey in the West Island makes tracks to higher and drier ground after storms caused widespread flooding and power failures Saturday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a weather warning just past 4:30 p.m. for parts of western Laval and Montreal’s West Island, including Île-Bizard, Pierrefonds and Dorval.
Meteorologists said showers and thunderstorms were moving slowly through the area, increasing the risk of significant rainfall over locations already saturated by recent precipitation.
“The ground has a reduced ability to absorb the rain,” the agency said in its warning.
Some of the storms were expected to produce strong wind gusts and hail, forecasters said.
Heavy rain can cause flash flooding and significantly reduce visibility, Environment Canada warned, as well damage to roofs, fences, trees and temporary structures was also possible.
Were you affected? Write to me at hnorth@postmedia.com
I’ve been writing for the Montreal Gazette since 2023. My favourite stories are ones that make you think and I’m always looking for new ways to tell them. At McGill, I studied economics and computer science. Now I live in the city’s Plateau, where I wear Doc Martens to try and blend in among the hipsters. Got a story? Email me.
hnorth@postmedia.com