Large hail and tornado risk: Severe storms target Quebec, flood threat follows
The multi-day thunderstorm risk persists across Quebec on Thursday, with particular attention on the Eastern Townships. Large hail, strong winds, and the potential for one or two tornadoes are possible. Heavy weekend rain will follow
Severe storms are expected to impact southern Quebec on Thursday, with the highest risk focused on the eastern half of the Eastern Townships.
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A cold front linked to a low pressure system is expected to activate these storms, with heavy downpours posing a risk along the St. Lawrence River, including Montreal and the Eastern Townships. Localized flooding remains a primary concern, and there is also the possibility to see one or two tornadoes.
Be sure to keep an eye on local weather alerts as conditions change.
Thursday: Severe storms could bring chance for localized flooding and isolated tornadoes
Thursday brings a heightened risk for more severe thunderstorms as a surface-level low pressure system moves across Quebec in the afternoon and evening.
A moisture-laden air mass, drawing in Gulf moisture, will help to fuel the thunderstorms, starting near noon and continuing into the evening. The Eastern Townships remain the key area to monitor for the strongest storms.
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The cold front associated with the low is forecast to spark these storms, with heavy downpours expected along the St. Lawrence River, including Montreal, and the Eastern Townships. This rainfall brings a risk of localized flooding in some areas. Large hail (nickel to ping pong-sized), and strong winds are also possible.
The atmospheric setup is conducive to the development of either a cluster or a line of storms, with rotation possible in both scenarios. There is a chance of one or two tornadoes forming in regions facing the highest storm risk.
Additionally, nocturnal thunderstorms may track along the St. Lawrence River overnight as the low pressure system moves northward.
Be weather-aware
Monitor The Weather Network's app or TV channel, and pay attention to local announcements for severe weather warnings and watches.
In case of a tornado warning, identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
In case of frequent lightning, even indoors, you have to take safety precautions in order to prevent receiving an electric shock from a lightning bolt. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Stay away from windows.
Unplug appliances.
Do not use a landline telephone.
Avoid running tap water.
Additionally, flash flooding can happen in a matter of minutes during, or shortly after, a major rain event. Do not attempt to drive through floodwaters as you as it only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away
Weekend weather: Risk of torrential rainfall and extreme heat
Significant weather is also expected to impact the province this weekend as another powerful low pressure system moves into southern Quebec from Saturday overnight into Sunday.
This system brings the potential for torrential rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding, along with damaging winds in some areas.
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Following the system, very humid conditions are forecast, with the possibility of record-breaking heat extending into early next week.
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Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for Quebec.