Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc in Quebec: Hailstorms, Thunderstorms Leave Damage and Power Outages

Quebec is reeling from a series of powerful hailstorms and thunderstorms that swept through the southern regions on May 31, 2026, leaving significant damage in their wake. Montreal and surrounding areas were particularly hard-hit, with reports of uprooted trees, damaged vehicles, and widespread power outages. The storm system, described as a dangerous "cocktail of weather conditions", caused chaos for residents and disrupted daily life across the province.

Hydro-Québec confirmed that over 10,000 customers in the Outaouais region remained without electricity as of June 1, with crews working around the clock to restore power. In Montreal, falling branches and debris from the storms led to road closures and structural damage to homes and businesses. The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAQ) reported a surge in traffic accident claims following the severe weather.

Residents shared images on social media showing golf-ball-sized hail pummeling streets and pooling on rooftops. "It felt like the sky was trying to flatten everything," said one Montrealer who experienced the storm firsthand. The École de technologie supérieure campus in Montreal reported water infiltration into buildings, forcing temporary closures.

Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious as unpredictable weather patterns continue to impact the region. For those affected, community centers in Laval and Longueuil have opened as emergency shelters for displaced families. As Quebec assesses the full extent of the damage, experts warn that climate change may be contributing to the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events.