Tornado watch in effect for several parts of central, southern Quebec

Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch across many parts of central and southern Quebec today. 

Stretching from the Eastern Townships through central Quebec — including Trois-Rivières — and up to Quebec City, Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes as of this afternoon.

Tornado warnings have been issued for the following regions: Eastern Townships, Beauce, Drummondville-Bois-Francs, Mauricie, Quebec City and Montmagny—L’Islet.

Large hail and heavy rainfall is also possible in those regions, the weather agency said. 

Other regions of the province, including Montreal and the Laurentians, are under a severe thunderstorm warning.

Over 545,500 customers were out of power as of 7:40 p.m. ET, Hydro Quebec said, much of them in the Quebec City, Outaouais, Laurentians, Lanaudière and the Montérégie regions.

Violent winds uprooted trees and damaged buildings throughout much of Quebec. In Outaouais, the bell tower of the Saint-Fidèle de Fassett church was completely destroyed. 

Roads in the Laurentians were seen blocked with downed trees and power lines as the evening approached.

Drivers clear blocked roads in the Laurentians

Drivers break up a pine tree using a strap to clear a road south of Lost River in the Laurentians.

Video posted to social media also showed heavy winds hitting the Saint-Lin-Laurentides area. 

The weather agency says people should be prepared for the severe weather and should take cover immediately if heavy storms approach, particularly if their area is under a tornado watch. 

To stay safe during a tornado, the agency recommends heading indoors to the lowest-level room possible, away from walls and windows facing the outdoors, such as in a basement or closet. Choose a strong building, leaving mobile homes, trailers and cars behind. As a last resort, it recommends lying in a low spot and protecting your head from any flying debris. 

“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” the weather agency said, adding to watch out for lightning.

A full breakdown of the warnings for each Quebec region can be found on Environment Canada’s public alert page.