A severe thunderstorm swept through Montreal on Sunday, causing significant damage and sending multiple people to the hospital. The storm, which struck in the afternoon, brought heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning, leading to fallen trees, damaged property, and power outages across the city.
Storm Impact
According to local authorities, emergency services responded to numerous calls about downed trees and power lines. In the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, a large tree fell onto a residential street, narrowly missing several homes. Lissia Martinez, a resident, captured the aftermath on camera. "It was terrifying," she said. "The wind was howling, and then we heard a loud crash. We came out to see this huge tree blocking the road."
Multiple people were transported to area hospitals with injuries resulting from the storm. The exact number of injuries and their severity have not been disclosed, but officials confirmed that none are life-threatening.
Power Outages
Hydro-Quebec reported that over 20,000 customers lost power during the storm. Crews have been working to restore electricity, but some areas may remain without power into Monday. The utility company urged residents to stay away from downed power lines and to report any hazards.
City Response
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante issued a statement urging residents to exercise caution. "Our teams are on the ground assessing the damage and clearing debris," she said. "We ask everyone to stay safe and avoid affected areas." The city has set up temporary shelters for those displaced by the storm.
Environment Canada had issued a severe thunderstorm warning earlier in the day, predicting the possibility of strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall. The storm moved through quickly but left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Looking Ahead
Weather officials are monitoring the situation as more storms are possible in the coming days. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and to take necessary precautions.
