The city of Montreal is bracing for severe flooding as significant rainfall is anticipated over the coming days. In response, the local government activated its Particular Intervention Plan (PPI), which allows for urgent measures to be deployed if necessary.
Preparedness Measures in Montreal
Montreal’s Mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, emphasized the safety of residents as the top priority. Continuous monitoring of water levels is in place, and teams are prepared for coordinated action. Present forecasts predict rain totals may reach up to 25 millimeters by Thursday, potentially increasing through the weekend.
Areas at Risk
Across Quebec, rainfall is expected to range between 40 and 70 millimeters. In Montreal, several neighborhoods are particularly susceptible to flooding, including:
- Pierrefonds-Roxboro
- L’île-Bizard – Sainte-Geneviève
- Ahuntsic-Cartierville
Additionally, all districts along the rivière des Prairies should prepare for potential spring floods, with heightened surveillance in the western part of the island.
Current Status of the Intervention Plan
Currently, the PPI is at Level 2, indicating that emergency measures are on standby but not yet in effect. These measures could include large-scale distribution of sandbags and emergency pumping operations. Proactive protective steps are already being implemented in vulnerable areas.
Weather Patterns and Flooding Risks
According to Environment Canada, several waterways in Quebec require monitoring due to ongoing meteorological phenomena. Meteorologist Julien Pellerin noted mature snow in northern regions that poorly absorbs water, leading to runoff followed by melting snow due to heat.
Minor to moderate flooding could occur in regions such as Outaouais, the Laurentians, and Lanaudière in the days ahead. Major rivers like the St. Lawrence and the Ottawa River are currently stable, but attention is needed on tributaries and smaller rivers.
Recent Flooding Trends
In Montreal, recurrent flooding has become a significant concern for residents. Following the severe floods of 2017 and 2019, the city enhanced its RénoPlex program in 2024 to assist homeowners in adapting their properties to flood conditions.
Flash floods in July 2024 brought 60 to 70 millimeters of rain within hours, causing sewer backups, numerous road closures, and power outages for nearly 100,000 residents. This followed another major flooding incident after the remnants of Hurricane Debby in August 2024.
Vulnerability of Certain Urban Areas
Recent analyses revealed that over 27% of Montreal’s territory lies in depressions, making these regions particularly vulnerable during heavy rainfall. Individuals living in flood-risk areas are urged to review information from the City of Montreal and their local municipality.
For real-time updates on flooding, citizens can access the Crues Grand Montréal platform provided by the Metropolitan Community of Montreal (CMM).
