Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has declared the city “ready to react” as spring floods threaten to reach record levels this Sunday. This critical surge is being driven by a combination of significant precipitation and rapid snowmelt.
Maximum Alert Status in the Metropolis
The City of Montreal entered its highest level of flood alert on Thursday. Mayor Martinez Ferrada confirmed during a press conference in Ahuntsic-Cartierville that preventive measures have been implemented over recent days.
Preparations include the delivery of pumps and sandbags to vulnerable areas. The mayor noted that whereas citizens appear resilient, the city is monitoring water levels closely and may close bridges, such as the Île Mercier bridge, if conditions become dangerous.
Environmental Forecasts
Environment Canada predicts between 15 and 25 mm of rain between Saturday night and Sunday. This rainfall could cause rivers to swell to levels similar to those seen during the record-breaking floods of 2017 and 2019.
According to Dimitrios Jim Beis, mayor of the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough and head of security and prevention, water levels are increasing rapidly. He indicated that the city has been preparing its flood management operation since March.
Regional Impacts and Emergency Measures
Across Quebec, 16 surveillance stations have issued orange alerts. In the Greater Montreal area, five stations are currently reporting minor flood warnings, including those along the Ottawa River, the Rivière des Prairies, and Lake des Deux Montagnes.
In Laval, the Rivière des Mille Îles has already overflowed its banks, leaving Rue Riviera flooded. The municipality has installed 1.2 km of sandbag dikes in vulnerable sectors, including Fabreville–Sainte-Rose.
To prevent sewage backups, Laval has mobilized four divers to block storm drains using inflatable balloons. Meanwhile, in Rawdon, the Rivière Ouareau is the only “red light” in the region, with a medium-level flood warning that may lead to sewer overflows.
Challenges in the Laurentians
In Saint-Jérôme, the Rivière du Nord previously forced the closure of the Viau bridge. While the flow decreased by 10% on Friday morning, Mayor Rémi Barbeau warned that this relief may be short-lived as snowmelt in the Hautes-Laurentides accelerates.
Approximately ten homes were affected by the river’s overflow on Friday. This number could potentially double, though officials hope to limit the impact to 20 homes through the use of pumps and sandbags.
Looking Ahead
Weather forecasts indicate temperatures will rise above freezing in the Outaouais, Mauricie, Laurentians, and Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions through Saturday. Temperatures in the south of the province are expected to reach approximately 15 degrees Celsius.
In Rawdon, Mayor Raymond Rougeau expressed concern that Sunday’s predicted rain could increase the river’s flow from 220 to 280 cubic meters per second. If this occurs, neighboring municipalities may be called upon to provide assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Montreal’s water levels expected to peak?
According to city forecasts, the waterways bordering Montreal are expected to reach their highest levels this Sunday.
What specific infrastructure is at risk of closure in Montreal?
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada indicated that the city may close bridges, specifically mentioning the Île Mercier bridge, if water levels become dangerous.
What measures has Laval taken to stop water backups?
Laval has deployed four divers to block storm drain pipes using inflatable balloons to prevent refoulements.
How does your community prepare for seasonal flooding?
