Spring flood: It begins to recede

Despite officials’ assurances, rising water levels due to heavy rains are worrying residents of Outais, Laurentides and Lanadier.

• Read more: As of Sunday, the south and center of the province will receive significant amounts of rain

“Yes, the rain will continue. But throughout Quebec, waterways can continue to take it,” said Joshua Ménard-Suárez, civil defense adviser at the Ministry of Public Safety.

He said the floods seen this year were mostly located in areas prone to continuous flooding.

However, the Ottawa River watershed, which covers part of the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Outauais and Montérégie, should be monitored.

“We’re not expecting a disaster, but he’s still a little vulnerable,” said Mr. Menard-Suárez noted.

Lac des Deux-Montagnes, located in the department, overflowed Sunday morning near Highway 20 west of Montreal Island.

Civil defense officials said there was minor flooding there. However, these are decreasing.

Barricades were erected

Parts of the road in Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue also had to be closed. Barriers have been erected to prevent overflow in these places.

Civil Defense recorded two moderate floods Sunday, near the Ottawa and Orave rivers, and 15 minor floods.

About 20 mm of rain fell in Montreal, Montérégie, Laurentides and Lanaudière regions, according to Environment Canada.

A few more millimeters are expected on Monday.

“With the amount of rain we’re expecting, these rivers north of the river will rise in the coming days,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Dominique Morin.

The North Bank is on high alert

At Saint-Columbian, in Laurentians, the Rivière du Nord was turbulent on Sunday due to high flows.

“We are expecting a peak [de débit d’eau cet] Afternoon. When it rains in northern Laurentians, it takes 24 hours to see water coming in,” said Xavier-Antoine Lalande, mayor of the small municipality.

The town of Rawdon in Lanaudiere is “on the hunt”, according to its mayor Raymond Rougeau.

“We’re crossing our fingers,” he told TVA Nouvelles.

“Our fire departments patrol regularly, as does the Public Works Department. We are ready to intervene,” said Mr. Rugo added.

The second peak

Quebec experienced its first peak of spring flooding last week.

According to Civil Defense, a second peak should be reached during the week.

“But we consider it equal to or less than the first peak,” said his spokesman, Mr. Menard-Suarez said.

– with TVA Nouvelles