Major spring flooding has forced the closure of several schools, bridges and roads on Monday.
The Galipeault Bridge, which links Île-Perrot to Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, remains closed due to high water levels until further notice.
The Sûreté du Québec said drivers and commuters off the western tip of the island of Montreal should expect heavy traffic on highways 30 and 40. Those who usually depend on the Galipeault Bridge can either opt for those highways or use the Vaudreuil-Hudson commuter rail line for free.
READ MORE: Water levels begin to recede in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac after dike failure
“If you can delay your travel, we invite you to do so,” the SQ advised.
Transports Québec warns delays could continue Tuesday, because of rain in the forecast.
“I guess we will have to get used to that new pattern for one day or two, maybe three. We don’t know,” said spokesperson Gilles Payer.
Urgence Québec reports that more than 6,425 residences are flooded and more than 9,500 people have been forced to leave their homes as of Monday morning. More than 3,500 homes across the province are isolated due to flooding.
Schools closed, bus service cancelled in some areas
A number of schools are also off-limits on Monday due to severe flooding.
The Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Board has closed Saint-Gérard elementary school in Pierrefonds-Roxboro. It also warns that buses could be delayed due to heavy traffic.
The Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) has cancelled bus service in off-island communities for the following schools: Christmas Park Elementary School, Dorset Elementary School, Beaconsfield High School and Macdonald High School.
School buses in areas affected by flooding on the island of Montreal may also be delayed, according to the LBPSB.
The Seigneurie-des-Mille-Iles School Board has closed several schools in Pointe-Calumet, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac and Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac after a dike burst in the area, forcing emergency evacuations. A full list of the school board’s closure can be found online.
Quebec Premier François Legault said on Sunday, it was a miracle that no one was injured in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac.
READ MORE: Quebec premier pledges $1M to Red Cross to aid flood victims
State of emergency in Montreal
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The City of Montreal has extended its state of emergency until Thursday. Mayor Valérie Plante announced the measure last Friday and the extension was granted on Sunday during an extraordinary council meeting.
The decree allows the city to order mandatory evacuations in hard-hit neighbourhoods. Flood-stricken areas include Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Île-Bizard.
READ MORE: Montreal extends state of emergency as boroughs continue to fight against floodwaters
It also allows the city’s fire department, tasked with co-ordinating flood relief efforts, more powers to spend money, requisition private property and take other measures to protect homes.
Bruno Lachance, the fire chief, says there is still work that needs to be done as emergency relief efforts continue.
WATCH: Montreal extends state of emergency
— With files from Global News’ Gloria Henriquez and Annabelle Olivier
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