Cars cautiously navigate through water covering Highway 40 in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue on Montreal's island following heavy rainfall on August 9, 2024. The Canadian Press
On August 9, 2024, southern Quebec was battered by heavy rainfall as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby swept through the region. This severe weather event left nearly half a million homes without power, leading to extensive disruptions across Montreal and surrounding areas.
Montreal bore the brunt of the storm's impact. Streets and basements were inundated with water, and several key roads were washed out. The city's light rail system, known as the REM, faced a complete shutdown due to the power outage. The torrential rain, which exceeded 150 millimetres by 9 p.m., broke the previous daily rainfall record set in 1996. For comparison, Montreal typically sees around 94 millimetres of rain for the entire month of August.
Hydro-Quebec, the region's main electricity provider, reported that over 460,000 customers were affected by the outages. The hardest-hit areas included Montérégie, Montreal, and Laval. The utility company attributed the power failures to wind gusts and fallen tree branches disrupting the power grid. Crews were quickly mobilized to restore power, with efforts continuing through the night. Despite their best efforts, some residents might remain without electricity until Saturday afternoon or even Sunday, depending on the extent of the damage.
On August 9, 2024, heavy rains caused flooding in a garage in Montreal. CTV News
The storm, which merged with a low-pressure system from the Great Lakes, prompted Environment Canada to issue multiple weather warnings. Areas from Cornwall, Ontario, to Quebec City were advised of the risk of flash flooding. The Lafontaine Tunnel, which links Montreal to the South Shore, was closed in both directions due to high water levels, and several roads, including the Décarie expressway, were also shut down.
On August 9, 2024, cars navigated through waterlogged streets in Montreal as heavy rain fell. Environment Canada had issued a rainfall warning for the area. The Canadian Press
In Montreal’s Saint-Laurent borough, the situation was dire as residents battled rising floodwaters. Local businesses and homeowners worked tirelessly to manage the damage. Alain Daigle, owner of a Benjamin Moore paint store, reported significant flooding in his store, marking the second time in recent history that his business has faced such challenges due to extreme rainfall.
Transport Quebec had prepared for severe weather by clearing debris from roads, but the volume of rain proved overwhelming. The department's spokesperson noted that even the most advanced storm sewer systems could not handle the unprecedented rainfall.
On Friday, August 9, 2024, heavy rain caused traffic to come to a halt on the Decarie Expressway in Montreal. CTV News
Several events were cancelled or postponed as a result of the storm. Montreal Pride activities, including community day and a drag event, were rescheduled. La Ronde amusement park and the Granby Zoo also closed, and the hot-air balloon festival in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu had its opening events delayed.
Resilience Montreal, a non-profit drop-in center, was among the buildings affected by flooding. Executive Director Nakuset emphasized the importance of safeguarding such essential community services during these extreme weather events.
Montreal experienced significant flooding on August 9, 2024, as the leftover effects of Hurricane Debby moved through the area. CTV News
As Montreal and its neighbouring areas continue to recover, Hydro-Quebec is working around the clock to restore power. The public is advised to remain cautious, especially when dealing with flood-damaged properties, and to report any power issues to the utility company for prompt attention.
