Heat records were broken in Montreal this weekend as temperatures exceeded 17°C for the first time this year.
Despite record-breaking snowfall and blizzards, unseasonably mild weather arrived just in time for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and new Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to one of Montreal's sexiest skyscrapers.
According to Environment Canada, the maximum temperature reached was 17.2°C in Montreal, shattering the previous record of 12.8°C for March 15 set in 1913.
The recent mild weather, combined with heavy rain, has led to rising water levels and flooding.
On Monday morning, Beauceville in faced the most critical situation after an ice jam formed late Sunday, causing the Chaudière River to overflow.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, rising temperatures and rain combined with melting snow is having an impact on water levels in several regions across the province, particularly on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.
Cancelled classes, road closures and evacuations are also being reported in some parts of Quebec.
Is Montreal prone to flooding?
According to the Montreal Metropolitan Community (MMC) council, nearly 15,000 buildings in Greater Montreal are said to be in flood-prone zones.
How to protect your home in the event of river flooding?
When there is a risk of water infiltration, the city of Montreal cautions to caulk or block doors and windows at ground level (always keep an emergency exit).
To prevent water from seeping in, build a sandbag wall or put sandbags at strategic locations.
To find out how to build a sandbag wall, see the guide put out by Québec’s Organisation de la sécurité civile here or call 311 to find out about sandbags available for distribution in your borough.
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