MONTREAL – Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for the Greater Montreal area as a powerful weather system brings damaging southwesterly gusts to the region. The high winds, which began gaining strength Friday afternoon, are expected to peak at 90 km/h, posing a significant risk of property damage and widespread utility disruptions.
Power Outages and Regional Impact
The storm has already left a trail of outages across the province. According to Hydro-Québec, as of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, approximately 70,000 customers were without electricity. The hardest-hit regions include:
- Montérégie: 31,576 customers affected.
- Outaouais: Approximately 13,000 customers affected.
- Eastern Townships: Approximately 13,000 customers affected.
Utility crews are currently on standby to restore service, though high winds can often delay repairs if conditions are deemed unsafe for workers to use bucket trucks.
Plummeting Temperatures and Forecast
Meteorologists warn that the wind is accompanied by a sharp cold front. While the day began with relatively mild temperatures and rain, the mercury is expected to drop rapidly to $-7$°C overnight.
The wind warning also extends to other parts of Southern Quebec, including Drummondville and the Bois-Francs region. Conditions are expected to gradually ease by early Saturday morning, though residents are urged to:
- Secure loose outdoor objects (garbage cans, patio furniture, decorations).
- Exercise caution while driving, particularly high-sided vehicles.
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to 911 or Hydro-Québec.
The weather agency classifies this as a “moderate impact” event with high confidence in the forecast, emphasizing that the combination of wet ground and high winds makes trees more susceptible to falling.
