Quebec Plunges into Darkness: Thousands Grapple with Widespread Power Outages as Storm Rages On

Quebec finds itself in the grip of a powerful storm, leaving thousands of homes and businesses across the province plunged into darkness. As fierce winds howl and torrential rain relentlessly beats down, Hydro-Québec is battling a surge of widespread power outages, with tens of thousands of residents waking up to no electricity on Saturday morning.

The relentless weather system, which began making its presence felt on Friday evening, has wreaked havoc on infrastructure, particularly in the Montérégie region where the highest concentration of outages has been reported.

Other significantly impacted areas include the Laurentians, Lanaudière, and Mauricie, as communities grapple with the immediate aftermath of the storm's fury.

By early Saturday, Hydro-Québec’s outage map painted a stark picture, showing well over 50,000 customers affected. Crews are working diligently, braving the challenging conditions to restore power, but the sheer scale of the disruption means that many could face a prolonged wait for electricity to return.

Environment Canada has issued stern warnings for much of Quebec, particularly southern and central regions.

Strong winds, gusting up to 90 km/h, are a primary concern, capable of felling trees and power lines, further exacerbating the outage situation. These intense winds are accompanied by heavy rainfall, with some areas expected to receive up to 50 millimetres, increasing the risk of localized flooding and hazardous driving conditions.

The forecast indicates that the stormy conditions are far from over.

While rain is expected to taper off in some areas, a significant temperature drop is anticipated, leading to a shift from rain to snow in parts of western Quebec later in the day. This transition could bring several centimeters of wet snow, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant, stay indoors if possible, and exercise extreme caution when venturing outside.

Safety experts advise keeping a safe distance from downed power lines and reporting any hazards immediately to local authorities or Hydro-Québec. With the storm’s unpredictable nature, preparation and awareness remain key for navigating these trying times across the province.