Rain in the next few days but no flooding

The showers forecast for the next few days are not expected to be strong enough to cause major flooding in southern Quebec, despite the high level of several rivers.

” The scenario [des crues printanières] of 2019 does not seem to be that of the next 7 to 10 days… although the situation can change quickly if there is a depression,” warns Maxime Boivin, specialist in flood dynamics.

For the moment, Montreal and its surroundings can expect to receive between now and Sunday between 20 and 30 mm of precipitation spaced out over time.

“Nothing catastrophic”, estimates the professor at the University of Quebec in Chicoutimi, stressing that the quantity but also the intensity of the rains come into play.

Environment Canada forecasts the mercury to hover between 10 and 14 until the end of the week, with changeable weather, while April has been rather below normal for the season so far.

Gray and chilly

“Slightly chilly weather helps the snow melt to be more peaceful and slow,” says meteorologist Gilles Brien.

This means that the conditions for major floods are far from being met at the moment.

It would have taken large amounts of snow, which melt quickly because of temperatures above 10 degrees, combined with intense rains, lists Mr. Boivin.

The level of some fifteen bodies of water is nevertheless closely monitored by the Ministry of Public Security.

Early yesterday evening, minor flooding was reported in the vicinity of Lac Aylmer, in Estrie, due to the Saint-François River, and in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, which faces Lac des Deux-Montagnes on the island of Montreal.

Reassured by the dyke

On the other shore, in Deux-Montagnes, residents were reassured by the presence of the dike built at great expense after the latest floods.

“In 2019 it would have been like being in Venice here, but this year, I’m going to be dry,” predicts Edith Prézeau, whose home overlooks the shore.

In Rigaud Bay, William Bradley was not too worried either with the rising waters of the Ottawa River approaching his land in a flood zone.

“Another foot or two and I’ll put my rubber boots on,” blurts out the 74-year-old, whose home suffered $160,000 in damage during the 2019 floods.

► For weather forecast, click here