Mirabel hit by tornado; tornado alert in Montreal ends

A Tornado Strikes Mirabel, Tornado Alert in Montreal Ends

Overview

A tornado hit the area of Mirabel in Quebec on Thursday afternoon, according to Environment Canada. The tornado alert for Montreal was lifted around 4:30 PM. However, a tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning are still in effect in certain areas. The risk has now shifted to the Trois-Rivières and Louiseville areas, where tornado alerts are in place. Tornado alerts have ended in several areas including Mascouche, Rawdon-Joliette, Laval, Lachute, Saint-Eustache, Saint-Jérôme, and Vaudreuil. No damage has been reported in Mirabel after the tornado, according to meteorologist Simon Legault from Environment Canada. The mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, stated on Twitter that despite the strength of the storm, there has been no major damage to municipal infrastructure. However, some roads have been closed due to water accumulation.

Tornado Safety Measures

Environment Canada recommends taking certain precautions if a tornado is approaching your area. It is advised to go indoors, preferably in a room on the lowest level of the building, away from windows and exterior walls. In the case of being in a vehicle, mobile home, tent, trailer, or any other temporary shelter, it is recommended to seek refuge in a sturdy building. As a last resort, one should lie on the ground in a low-lying area and protect their head from flying objects, according to Environment Canada. The agency emphasizes that tornadoes are dangerous and can cause potentially fatal injuries.

Hydro-Quebec Power Outages

As a result of the severe weather conditions and ongoing forest fires in Baie-James, more than 500,000 Hydro-Quebec customers were without power in the afternoon. However, the majority of these outages have been restored, with around 335,000 customers remaining without power as of 5 PM. The affected regions include Outaouais, Montérégie, Laurentides, Montreal, and Quebec City. Hydro-Quebec is prepared and mobilized to respond to the situation, but the system is still unpredictable, according to spokesperson Caroline Des Rosiers. The company warns that power outages could be caused by strong winds or vegetation falling on their installations. In such cases, employees will need to assess the damage before taking appropriate action. Hydro-Quebec advises the public to prepare by charging electronic devices and unplugging those that consume a lot of electricity to avoid power surges. Additionally, it is recommended to have meals and snacks that can be consumed cold and minimize opening the refrigerator and freezer. Citizens are encouraged to proactively check on vulnerable individuals in the event of a power outage and to visit Hydro-Quebec’s Info-pannes website for updates.

Emergency Response in Montreal

In Montreal, citizens are reminded to call 911 in case of emergencies related to health or personal safety. For situations related to flooding or infrastructure issues, the designated number to call is 311.

Conclusion

The tornado in Mirabel serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and destructive forces of nature. The safety measures and precautions outlined by Environment Canada should be heeded by the public in order to minimize the risk of injury or property damage during severe weather events. As summer continues, it is essential for individuals and communities to stay informed and prepared for potential emergencies. Hydro-Quebec’s efforts to restore power to affected areas are commendable, and citizens who are vulnerable or have special needs should be vigilant in seeking assistance. The coordination of emergency response services and the prompt communication of updates and advisories are instrumental in ensuring public safety during such incidents.