Municipalities in Quebec are gearing up for potential flooding, with Montreal escalating to the highest alert level for flood risk emergency measures. Richard Liebmann, the chief of Montreal’s fire department and emergency measures coordinator, revealed this development during a press conference on Thursday. He announced that a 24/7 coordination center will be operational starting Friday morning to oversee all preventive actions. The forecast predicts up to 25 millimeters of rainfall by Friday, but Liebmann affirmed that response teams have been actively engaged for several days.
Despite no reported incidents of flooding in Montreal so far, efforts are underway in Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough as workers transport sandbags to Château Pierrefonds Avenue to construct modular dikes within the next day. Mayor Jim Beis highlighted the vulnerability of western Pierrefonds to floods, attributing residents’ concerns to climate change impacts that necessitate swift protective measures.
Jean Brazeau, the regional director for the Laurentians and Lanaudière regions at Quebec’s Public Security Ministry, anticipates rising water levels in various Montreal area rivers, including Rivière des Prairies and Lac des Deux Montagnes. In Laval, a few streets in Fabreville and Laval West have experienced minor flooding, as per Brazeau’s observations.
In Terrebonne, Mayor Mathieu Traversy assured readiness for potential flooding risks, stating an increase in inspectors’ deployment to monitor rising water levels closely. The Quebec Public Security Ministry, along with its partners, has established a coordination team to manage flood preparedness efforts, stepping in to assist municipalities if necessary.
Some residents have already been evacuated from their homes due to flooding concerns. Brazeau reported that as of Thursday afternoon, around 13 individuals in Mont-Tremblant were affected, with potential evacuations for more residents expected soon. Similarly, in Rawdon municipality in Lanaudière, two residents have been relocated due to escalating water levels along the Rivière Ouareau.
Saint-Jérôme has closed the Viau Bridge over Rivière du Nord as a precautionary safety measure due to the river’s high flow rate. The closure, effective from 9 p.m. Wednesday until further notice, necessitates a detour plan for affected residents, urging vigilance among riverside inhabitants.
Rigaud, situated west of Montreal, is on high alert for rising water levels. The city issued an advisory warning residents about minor flooding in riverfront areas as Ottawa River water levels continue to rise, potentially leading to a scenario reminiscent of the 2023 floods. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s official channels.
Brazeau linked the escalating water levels to heavier snowfall in the northern Laurentians and an early winter, exacerbating the situation as snowmelt, mild temperatures, and rainfall converge. As snow continues to melt with increasing temperatures, Brazeau stresses the importance of monitoring updates on municipal websites and social media platforms for critical information.