A stormy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day looms ahead, here's where:
Digital Reporter
Friday, June 23, 2017, 1:56 PM - Lingering moisture from what was formerly Tropical Storm Cindy could dampen Quebec’s La Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebrations this weekend. The annual public holiday, falling on June 24, is marked by widespread parades and outdoor parties. Thunderstorms, some severe, could cause problems for the weekend-long festivities.
Severe thunderstorm watches were issued for portions of southern Quebec on Friday afternoon, including the Eastern Townships area.
"This afternoon and early this evening, conditions will be favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that could produce very strong wind gusts, heavy downpours and frequent lightning," the agency said.
The precipitation could result from a mix of an incoming warm front and remnant moisture from the system, now downgraded to a “tropical depression”.
Various Environment Canada special weather statements, that have now since been cancelled, were in effect Thursday along the St. Lawrence River for Friday’s Saint-Jean-Baptiste festivities.
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“The rain will crash the party even more in the Outaouais and Laurentians regions, over Central Quebec and in the Quebec City region", the statements read. “Lastly, fireworks might not be the only thing illuminating the sky as thunderstorms may affect Southern Quebec.”
The risk of thunderstorms could build throughout the day in southern Quebec, possibly becoming severe in the evening and overnight hours.
Forecasts favour the risk of severe storms for areas south of the St. Lawrence River, such as Sherbrooke and Saint-Georges. The main threats include heavy rainfall, strong winds, localized flooding.
Preliminary forecasts are unable to rule out the possibility of an isolated tornado, The Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gilham reports.
However, the rain should begin to move out of the province on Saturday morning, and conditions should be improved by the evening.
Below: Quebec floods aerial footage, May 2017
