Heavy rain and powerful winds have left thousands of Quebecers in the dark on Thursday evening.
Hydro-Québec says power outages are happening across the province due to bad weather. As of 9 p.m., more than 87,000 households do not have power.
Earlier in evening, Environment Canada said it was tracking a cluster of severe thunderstorms which is “capable producing very strong wind gusts, pea to dime size hail and heavy rain.”
READ MORE: Power outages, fallen trees after intense storm hits Montreal
The weather agency had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for several areas in southern Quebec, including Montreal, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the Laurentians and Lanaudière.
The summer storm quickly made it way through the province, reportedly knocking down trees in the Greater Montreal area.
The Montreal Trudeau International Airport said a lightning alert disrupted aircraft flight schedules, ground operations and baggage deliveries. Travellers are asked to check their flight’s status with their airline before arriving at the airport.
READ MORE: How to prevent basement flooding after a heavy rainfall
During the peak of the storm, drivers were asked to be especially careful since heavy downpours can lead to flash flooding and water pooling on roads.
“Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year,” the weather agency said. “Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”
Environment Canada says severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
WATCH: Video captures sounds of trees ‘melting’ in Montreal
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