Friday’s rain in Montreal broke a long-standing record, with the city receiving 157 millimeters of rain, surpassing the previous record set in November 1996. The heavy rainfall was caused by two meteorological systems converging—the remnants of tropical storm Debby and a low-pressure system from the Great Lakes region.
The effects of this precipitation were not limited to Montreal alone. Gatineau received between 70 and 100 millimeters of rain, while Ottawa accumulated around 76 millimeters by Friday night. Toronto experienced a relatively mild rainfall of 25 to 50 millimeters.
Eastern Canada is expected to continue experiencing heavy rain as the remnants of the storm persist. New Brunswick is predicted to receive an additional 40 to 60 millimeters until Saturday morning.
The record-breaking rainfall has raised concerns among authorities and citizens alike. Meteorologist François Légaré from Environment Canada emphasized the significance of this event, noting that it could lead to localized floods and put strain on drainage systems.
Indeed, the heavy precipitation has already caused issues in various areas. Flooding has been reported in certain parts of Montreal, resulting in traffic disruptions and road closures. Residents have been advised to exercise caution and limit unnecessary travel.
Furthermore, public services and infrastructure are facing significant challenges due to the downpour. Jean-Pierre Brabant, spokesperson for the City of Montreal, acknowledged that sewer systems are struggling to handle such large amounts of water. Efforts are underway to ensure safety and functionality within the city.
In response to these conditions, local officials are urging citizens to take necessary safety precautions. The Public Safety Department in Montreal has advised residents against engaging in basement activities, encouraged them to clean drains regularly, and stay updated on weather information from reliable sources.
Despite the difficulties caused by this heavy rain, Mayor Valérie Plante expressed pride in how resilient Montrealers have been during this intense weather event. She believes that with cooperation from city dwellers, Montreal will recover as it has done many times before.
Government organizations and local communities are working together to mitigate the effects as Eastern Canada deals with aftermaths of this deluge. This record-breaking rainfall serves as a reminder for everyone about being prepared and adaptable when faced with unpredictable weather patterns
