The Montreal region is bracing for potentially record-high water levels this weekend, raising flood concerns for city officials. Anticipated impacts are especially significant for Sunday, as rainfall is expected to exacerbate already rising water levels.
Current Water Level Situation in Montreal
Montreal’s water levels have seen an average increase of 70 centimeters in recent days. Environment Canada forecasts an additional 15 to 25 millimeters of rain starting Saturday night. The conditions may mirror past flood situations from 2017 and 2019.
Officials’ Preparedness Measures
- Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montreal, confirms readiness to respond to potential flooding.
- Jim Beis, Public Safety Coordinator, reports that necessary supplies, such as sandbags and pumps, have been distributed.
- Local officials have activated the highest alert level of the city’s emergency response plan.
As of now, five monitoring stations in the metropolitan area are reporting “minor flood” levels. Areas such as Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Ahuntsic-Cartierville are particularly affected, though they have not sustained significant damage yet.
Flood Preparedness and Response
According to Richard Liebmann, director of the Montreal Fire Safety Service, close monitoring of infrastructures like the Mercier Bridge is underway. Any further escalation of water levels could result in temporary closures. Streets in nearby Senneville may also be affected.
In Laval, Mayor Stéphane Boyer indicated enhanced vigilance as the water level in the Mille-Îles River has risen in recent days. Local flood prevention measures include:
- Installation of barriers on Riviera Street.
- Blocking of water conduits to prevent backflow.
Looking Ahead
In Saint-Jérôme, Mayor Rémi Barbeau warns of potential worsening conditions despite a 10% drop in water levels on the North River. There is concern that melting snow in the Laurentians could lead to quick increases in water levels.
Recent years have seen recurring flooding in Montreal, leading to adaptations in city infrastructure. In light of these concerns, the city has enhanced its RénoPlex program. This initiative helps homeowners prepare their properties for potential floods.
In July of last year, the city’s vulnerability was highlighted as heavy rainfall of 60 to 70 millimeters resulted in widespread flooding, power outages, and road closures affecting approximately 100,000 residents.
As the weekend approaches, both residents and officials are urged to remain vigilant regarding the rising water levels and potential flooding in the region.
