Montreal is now under a tornado watch and severe storm warning, after it was briefly warned of a possible tornado impact.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a tornado warning for the greater Montreal area, including both including Laval and Mascouche.
As of 5.05pm, southwest Quebec remained under a tornado watch.
Earlier today, the ECCC issued tornado warnings for other areas of Quebec including the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Lacolle and Mauricie regions and cities such as Drummondville, Saint-Hyacinthe, Victoriaville, Bécancour and Gatineau.
#Tornado warnings have ended for southwest Quebec, but tornado watches are still in effect in these areas. Vigilance is still required. ⚠️#QCstorm pic.twitter.com/5EasOKqvPF
— ECCC Weather Quebec (@ECCCWeatherQC) July 13, 2023
Elsewhere, a tornado had already touched down on the Ottawa neighbourhood of Barrhaven.
A city of Montreal spokesperson, Gonzalo Nunez, said earlier on Thursday that the city was closely following the potential for tornadic activity and is prepared to respond to any damages that may occur, CBC reported.
"Montreal is ready to intervene with its teams if damage occurs to municipal infrastructure and facilities, such as sewer backups, floods, water main breaks, fallen trees on public roads," Nunez said.
A recent powerful F4 tornado in Alberta that formed on near Didsbury on Canada Day did not cause much of an impact on insurers, as its path was mostly within rural areas.
While this tornado was one of the most powerful in the province’s history, it did not cause any loss of life or economic damages.
