Extensive power outages in Montreal as potent storm swipes eastern Canada
Heavy rain and damaging winds are impacting much of eastern Canada through Thursday with power outages and travel issues racking up as a result of this potent low pressure system. More on the timing of this system and the storm totals expected, below.
Visit our Complete Guide to Fall 2019 for an in depth look at the Fall Forecast, tips to plan for it and a sneak peek at the winter ahead
Rain and wind warnings cover a large section of eastern Canada as a potent northeast storm, which officially reached "bomb cyclone" status by dropping 24 millibars in pressure in 24 hours as of Thursday morning, continues with its far reaching impact.
While the impacts from this system will be mostly indirect across eastern Ontario, some additional moisture is helping to enhance rainfall totals for a system that moved over the Great Lakes on Wednesday.
The rain, significant at times, will continue through Thursday with upwards of 50 mm possible by the time all is said and done.
WATCH BELOW: STORM TIMING ACROSS THE EAST
Rainfall warnings cover areas mostly east of Ottawa, with a special weather statement still in place for the capital city.
"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads," warns Environment Canada. "Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible."
Combine that heavy rain with wind gusts between 60-90+ km/h, and it's enough to do a number on travel conditions and powerlines.
This system is taking a heavier toll on southern Quebec, where nearly 100,000 customers were without power in the Montreal region by late Thursday morning.
Hydro-Québec spokesperson Johanne Savard told CBC News that line-repair crews have been deployed to affected areas with the number of outages expected to flucuate throughout the day on Thursday.
This fallen tree in NDG's William-Hurst Park was far from the only one knocked down by this morning's hard-hitting storm that brought wind and rain to southern Quebec. (Simon-Marc Charron/Radio-Canada)
"Our teams are mobilized and they're on the road to repair the network as soon as possible," she said.
Homeowners have also been encouraged to clean leaves from storm drains, especially with flooding and back-up drainage a common problem in the Montreal area.