Major flooding, debris in Que.'s Magdalen Islands as Fiona slams Maritimes
Municipal roads are closed on Quebec's Magdalen Islands and residents are ordered to stay inside as the region battles the effects of Fiona.
The post-tropical storm made landfall in Atlantic Canada early Saturday morning and is also impacting eastern Quebec.
"There are many obstacles on the road. There are trees. There are rocks. There are materials that have blown off. There are overflows, floods. That's why we're asking you to avoid using the road this morning. We ask you to avoid all travel," said Richard Leblanc, deputy mayor of the Magdalen Islands, speaking at a press conference.
A hurricane warning was in effect for the islands, with wind gusts of up to 119 km/h recorded in the morning by Environment Canada. Waves along the coast could reach up to eight metres high.
"High waves combined with the surge may cause damage along the coast. Coastal erosion is possible in vulnerable areas. Stay away from affected shorelines," reads a notice from the agency.
Winds are expected to weaken throughout the day. Nevertheless, the mayor reminded citizens that the storm is not over.
Leblanc confirmed Saturday morning that at least 22 people had been evacuated.
POWER OUTAGES COULD AFFECT WATER SUPPLY
Over 5,000 Hydro Quebec customers were without power in the Gaspé and Magdalen Islands regions early Saturday afternoon.
Hydro Quebec teams were deployed to the region to "respond to emergency calls in order to secure the premises," according to a Tweet from the hydroelectricity company.
An afternoon lull in strong winds allowed repairs to be made and power restored in some areas.
As a result of the power interruptions, residents have been asked to limit their drinking water consumption.
"Power outages are not allowing us to pump as much water as usual," said Leblanc.
"It's better to save now just in case."
GOVERNMENT PROMISES MONETARY AID
Quebec Premier Francois Legault said Saturday that the government will provide financial compensation for islanders who have suffered property losses not covered by insurance.
He was accompanied at a Saturday press conference by Public Safety Minister Geneviève Guilbault.
Conditions permitting, Guilbaut will travel to the Magdalen Islands on Sunday.
CTV News has developed a live tracker of Hurricane Fiona.
The premier and Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) leader also announced he would resume his campaign activities Saturday afternoon after pausing them in light of the storm.
Legault is scheduled to make a stop in the Taschereau riding of Quebec City.
With files from The Canadian Press.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Snow-covered bodies of 2 men from Senegal found in New York woods near Canadian border
Two men from Senegal froze to death were found in the snow of a wooded area close to the Canadian border, New York state police said.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
This historical tavern in Toronto is closing after nearly 200 years
An historic downtown Toronto bar is closing its doors next week after nearly 200 years in business.
Niagara Region 'proactively' declares state of emergency ahead of total solar eclipse
Niagara Region says it has declared a state of emergency 'out of an abundance of caution' as it prepares for an influx of visitors for next month’s total solar eclipse.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
Social media can alter children's brains and impact mental health: neuroscientist
Neuroscientist Emma Duerden says social media can alter children's brains and have negative impacts on their mental health.
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
Edmonton broadcasting giant Bruce Hogle dead at 95
An Edmonton broadcasting pioneer has passed away.