Severe floods sweep away cars in Quebec

Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 9:19 AM -

Torrential downpours sparked major flooding in Quebec's Eastern Townships Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, a stormy afternoon is ahead, with severe thunderstorm watches up for several communities including Montreal.

More than 30 mm fell on the region overnight, with a total of 57 mm recorded in Sherbrooke since Monday.

The deluge proved too much for some rivers to handle, including the Coaticook River running through the town of the same name.

"Trees and wood and everything jammed under the bridge and so the water was running in the street, in houses, in the businesses," Coaticook mayor Bertrand Lamoureux told the CBC.

The Canadian Press reports several parked cars were swept away, some of which became trapped under a bridge, making the situation worse. 

Firefighters had to rescue one person whose car was surrounded by river waters, although there were no reported injures. Some 30 homes had to be evacuated, and city officials said crews are assessing the damage. Some of the evacuees have taken shelter at the town hall.

Elsewhere, the Canadian Press reports the community of Compton was also in dire straits, with several roads leading into the town impassable.

Parts of Quebec are in for potentially severe storms again Wednesday.

"A frontal trough will move across these regions in the late afternoon or evening and trigger thunderstorms lines," Environment Canada says. "Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and heavy rain."

SOURCES: Meteo Media | CBC News | The Canadian Press