12 Jul 2023 | 02:30 AM UTC
Canada: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across southern and central Quebec as of late July 11
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across southern and central Quebec, Canada, as of late July 11. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Heavy rainfall over the recent days has resulted in flooding across southern and central Quebec as of late July 11. Environment Canada has issued yellow (the middle level on a three-tier scale) severe thunderstorm warnings across far southern Quebec Province. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Authorities have evacuated almost 300 people in Sherbrooke City due to the risk of flooding caused by intense rainfall and the high water levels of the Saint-Francois River through the city. Authorities have also evacuated around 500-600 homes in Ste-Brigitte-de-Laval City due to the Montmorency River flooding. A state of emergency is in place in the city, with around 250 houses flooded. Evacuations orders are also in place for around 20 households in Trois-Saults. Further evacuations are possible as river levels rise.
Floodwaters have partially washed out Highway 354 between Saint-Casimir and Sainte-Anne-de-la-Perade and a small section of Route 363 southbound at Saint-Ubalde. Several secondary roads near Lac-Brome Town in the Eastern Townships Region are flooded. Leo-Cauchon Road in Baie-Saint-Paul City and the Sainte-Anne Canyon near Beaupre are closed. Authorities in the municipality of Lac-aux-Sables are requesting residents to limit travel.
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks. If there is damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions. Localized business disruptions may occur in storm-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
