The remnants of tropical storm Debby made landfall in eastern Canada, where parts of Quebec and Ontario were already drenched by heavy rain early Friday.
Environment Canada issued a swath of warnings for the two provinces with upwards of 100 millimetres of rain expected in some areas.
A low pressure system is passing through Southern Ontario and Quebec with alerts in effect from Cornwall, Ont., through to Quebec City about the risk of flash flooding. Minor landslides are also a possibility in some areas, according to the weather agency.
Environment Canada said “significant rainfall amounts” had already fallen by 10 a.m. in southern Quebec, after its forecasts had already been revised upwards. By that time, parts of the greater Montreal area had already received up to 80 millimetres of rain — with that potentially rising to as much as 120 millimetres by the end of the day.
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In Montreal, flooding hit some roads during the morning commute. Quebec’s Transport Ministry warned parts of major streets and off-ramps were off limits to drivers in the city, including sections of highways 40 and 19.
“Heavy rain! Adapt your driving to reduce the risk of hydroplaning,” the ministry wrote on social media.
Shortly before 10 a.m., the downpour also caused damage to an on-ramp at the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, a major span connecting Montreal with its south shore. Emergency work will be carried out to fix the stretch of road and motorists were asked to steer clear of the area.
The torrential rain didn’t just cause slowdowns on the road. Some flight delays and cancellations were reported at airports in both Montreal and Quebec City.
In Ontario, Debby’s last gasps could dump as much as 100 millimetres of rain on Ottawa and Kingston.
Toronto, which is being spared from the brunt of the torrential rain, could see up to 50 millimetres by the end of day.
The downpour should taper off by the evening, the agency said.
The wet weather is expected to reach New Brunswick Friday night and bring up to 40 millimetres of rain through Saturday morning.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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