More rain in the forecast - flooding concern remains high

SQ patrol cars block access Wednesday morning to the main road in the Village of St. Clet southwest of  metro Montreal. Flood waters began to recede on Wednesday allowing some residents to begin the clean up. (CBC News)

Another frontal system will cross southwest Quebec this evening with a shot of rain. We are not looking for large amounts of precipitation, but anything at this point is adding to the high water levels on southern Quebec rivers and lakes. Nearly 30mm of rain fell on Tuesday across the southwest portion of the province producing flash flooding. Especially hard hit was the municipality of St Clet not far west of my location. Over 200 homes had flooded basements along with several businesses and the main road through town. Police had to close several roads while firefighters helped evacuate 20 families as well as pump water from homes. The water level fell nearly 4 feet under sunny skies on Wednesday, so the worst may be over for that town. Such is not the case on other rivers including the Riviere Chaudiere which is producing minor flooding in St Georges. Also under a flood watch this morning are the Chateauguay near Huntingdon as well as the L'Acadie and Yamaska. South of the border the Chazy River has produced flooding in northeast New York including the Village of Champlain.

More showers are forecast today along with warm temperatures near 13C. It will remain warm into the weekend with highs near 15C and overnight lows above freezing, helping to melt away much of the remaining snow. However, the snow pack remain deep in the mountains of upstate New York and the Townships, as well ice cover is thick on many rivers and lakes which means we are far from over with the flood threat. Indications are we are in for quite a wet period beginning Sunday and lasting into Tuesday. Several low pressure areas will move along a stalled front and could produce 25-50mm of rain. The track and alignment of the front are still in question, but we will have to monitor this event as flood watches may have to be expanded. Montreal has a normal April rainfall of 67.7mm, through yesterday we are already at 47mm.