Rainy, warm weather leads to flooding, school closures in parts of Quebec

By Canadian Press on March 17, 2025.

MONTREAL — Record warm weather has sent several Quebec rivers spilling over their banks, leading to school and road closures and voluntary evacuation notices in some parts of the province.

In Beauceville, Que., south of Quebec City, officials cancelled classes and opened an evacuation centre at the local arena after an ice jam caused the Chaudière river to surge into nearby streets.

Municipal officials in Drummondville, Que., partway between Montreal and Quebec City, are recommending that residents of about 300 buildings evacuate because of the rising St-François river, which is moving about five times its average speed.

Photos posted online by the municipality show a red car half submerged in water, and barricaded roads.

The Quebec government reported medium flooding at three of its water monitoring stations as of 11 a.m., as well as two instances of minor flooding and said 15 spots were under surveillance.

Environment Canada says several parts of the province recorded record-high temperatures on Sunday, including 20.1 C in Beauceville and 16.4 C in Montreal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2025.

The Canadian Press