Montreal wind warning: 90 km/h gusts causing power outages and damage

Over 300,000 addresses in Quebec are without power this morning due to powerful wind gusts—and the number is climbing.

A wind warning issued at 7:15 a.m. by Environment Canada warned that strong winds capable of causing damage are expected.

According to the yellow warning, southwesterly winds gusting to nearly 90 km / began early this morning.

These fierce winds are causing local utility outages, damage to roofs, fences, branches and soft shelters, with a risk of injury due to flying or falling debris.

Planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Power outages and falling debris could affect pubs, bars, restaurants and other Montreal businesses (and taking the Metro to events instead of driving means less risk from wind-damaged roads).

Check out: The best pubs in Montreal

An update on the Hydro Quebec site states:

"Strong winds are currently affecting a large part of Québec, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, and up to 120 km/h in some areas. These conditions are causing power outages across the network. Our crews are fully mobilized in the field to restore service as quickly as possible. More than 1,100 workers are actively deployed across the province to carry out the work safely and efficiently." 

Want to check the status of a specific address? Click on the link here.

What to do in case of a power outage in Montreal?

Call 1 800 790‑2424 or consult the Hydro Quebec website here.

Information around when service is expected to be restored, the crew status, how many customers are affected, the cause of the outage (when known) is also available on the site—along with important recommendations about what to do before, during and after an outage.

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