Heavy rain and snow threaten parts of Quebec, flood threat rises
Digital Reporter
Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 9:30 AM -
First rain, then snow. A powerful storm threatens parts of Quebec with heavy precipitation and a return to winter.
"A low pressure system south of the Great Lakes will reach central Quebec this afternoon as it continues to move toward the Labrador sea," said Environment Canada in a statement early Tuesday. "It will give a total of 25 to 40 mm of rain and up to 60 mm north of Quebec City and in Charlevoix."
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Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible and residents are being urged to avoid washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
"The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall," EC warns.
FLOOD WATCH
The City of Sherbrooke in southern Quebec has issued a flood alert as parts of the St. Francois River have surpassed 20 feet already.
Preventive evacuation orders have also been issued for about 15 homes in a section of the city.
La Rivière St-François atteint la barre des 21 pieds : https://t.co/HzUBIQXvhY #Sherbrooke #inondations
— Ville de Sherbrooke (@VilleSherbrooke) April 15, 2014
Some flooding along Laval’s waterfront has also been reported and residents are taking further precautions with water levels in the Mille-Îles River, Rivière des Prairies and Lac des Deux Montagnes expected to rise.
Laval’s emergency officials have set up 15 locations in the city where bulk sand is available for filling sandbags. Empty sand bags are also available at fire stations.
RETURN TO WINTER
A cold front will sweep across the province Tuesday, chasing away any of the mild conditions residents enjoyed Monday.
"Temperatures will drop 8 to 10 degrees in a few hours causing water, if any, to freeze on roads," EC warns.
Some areas could also see a brief period of freezing rain before the precipitation changes to snow.
"Several regions will see about 10 centimetres of snow and wind chill values of minus 15 to minus 25," EC adds.
