The severe weather that hit southern Quebec caused a confirmed tornado in Mirabel, in the Laurentians, but also the formation of funnel clouds in two regions.
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A first funnel cloud was seen in Vaudreuil, and a second in Sorel-Tracy. In Sorel, testimonials and images show significant damage. Our journalist Yves Poirier is also able to see a lot of damage on the ground.
The roof of the Ford car dealership was torn off around 4:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
A video posted on social networks shows a funnel cloud forming on the St. Lawrence River near the shore, not far from Sorel-Tracy, difficult to say if this funnel touched the ground, and if it hit the municipality . Could it be a maritime tornado as alerted by Environment Canada on Thursday afternoon?
The conclusions of the investigation will make it possible to say it.
“A full assessment will be carried out as more information becomes available, with input from Northern Tornadoes Project staff to investigate the damage,” Environment Canada said in its weather summary released Friday morning.
According to testimonies, many trees were broken, and the roofs of some buildings torn off. A “corridor of damage” is reported, which may suggest the route of a tornado. Friday morning, 3/4 of the residents were still without electricity.
At the height of the storm on Thursday, gusts of 111 km/h were recorded at Montreal-Trudeau Airport. Stronger gusts may have been recorded elsewhere.
Between 50 and 90 millimeters of rain fell in the St. Lawrence Valley. Several fires were started due to lightning and hail between 1 and 2 cm was observed.
