Flood risk across southern Quebec continues

Rivers across southern Quebec werebeing watched closely Sunday, though rains that had been expected during the daywere not as heavy as predicted in many regions.

Up to 45 millimetres of rain were in the forecast forSunday, which would have had dire consequences for riverside communities at risk of flooding.

Sunday did seesome minorflooding along the Chteauguay River at Huntingdon and authorities had to evacuate 40 families from their Pierreville homes near Drummondville when an ice jam on the St-Franois Rivercaused flooding there.

Rain is expected to continue through Tuesday, according to Environment Canada.

Temperatures are alsoexpectedto climb quickly on Monday, to a high of 21 C, and add to water levels withmelting snow and ice.

Quebecs flood forecasting centre says everyone along major rivers in southern Quebec should be prepared for flooding.

Riverside communitiesremain on high alert, most notably those along the Chaudire River in the Beauce, where ice floes jammed a 1.5 kilometresection of the river at Beauceville and forced water into the town.

FortyBeauceville homes were issued evacuation notices on Saturday but most homeownersrefused to leave.

Twenty businesses have also been affected.

Town employees were going door to door to check on residents and have set up an evacuation centre.

High water along the Chaudire also forced around 60 people from their homes in St. Lambert de Lauzon.

Other rivers considered at risk of flooding are:

• Mille-les River in Laval
• Rivire des Prairies
• Nicolet and Bcancour Rivers in Mauricie
• Saint-Franois River in the Eastern Townships
• Yamaska River at St-Hyacinthe
• Chteauguay River in Montrgie